The Rescue Center is expanding
Last year brought significant improvements to the ARCHELON Rescue Center facilities in Glyfada. The pumping installations for the tanks was replaced, additional tanks were supplied and connected, a wooden platform was constructed next to the external tanks and modern surgical equipment was acquired as planned in the LIFE EUROTURTLES project. Two new containers arrived and one of them was turned to an operation room using funds from the Green Fund (Ministry of Environment), a necessity for the severe incidents arriving at the Rescue Center. Valuable advice was offered to us by Dr. Anastasia Komninou, Associate Professor, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki (EAVE accreditation).
The Rescue Center received 67 injured or sick turtles in 2018, and 30 of them were released back to the sea fully recovered. The number of released animals was low compared to previous years due to the increased number of cases with intentional injuries, for which longer care and treatment is needed.
More than half of the turtles (57%) that arrived at the Center in 2018 had injuries from deliberate actions, while 22% were injuries caused by fishing gear.
The data recorded at the Rescue Center show that the percentage of intentional injuries in total arrivals during 2018 was higher compared to other years and this maybe is reflecting a trend. It must be noted that there is not enough data to discuss this issue at a bigger scale.
In the beginning of 2019, we had the pleasure of welcoming officers from the Meneu Sea Turtle Rescue Facilities in Cyprus, which operates under the support of the Fisheries and Marine Research Department. During a three-day meeting, ARCHELON's team presented how common injuries are treated and people exchanged experiences on medicine and feeding methods, food preparation, as well as tank and facility cleaning. The Fisheries and Marine Research Department of Cyprus is also a partner in the LIFE EUROTURTLES project.
A visit of Tania Monreal-Pawlowsky, a distinguished member of Wildlife Vets International, offered the opportunity to the ARCHELON staff and volunteers to learn about developments on sea turtle treatment issues. During a workshop organized in early February at the Rescue Center, Tania shared her expertise on theoretical and practical issues of sea turtle treatment, in an extremely positive mood.
Impressive images of sea turtles at sea were recorded by drones
Α love story in the Mediterranean Sea
RECENT NEWS
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- OUR NEWS10/12/2025
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- OUR NEWS08/12/2025
Applications Now Open for 2026 ARCHELON Field Leaders Posts!
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- OUR NEWS01/12/2025
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- OUR NEWS26/11/2025
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This summer, two adult loggerhead sea turtles, ‘Aktaia’ and ‘Herbert’, arrived at ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre needing urgent help after sustaining severe head injuries.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2025
Volunteering Projects 2026: Sea Turtles Need You, the Planet Needs Us!
ARCHELON welcomes volunteers from all over the world and of all ages (over 18) and no prior experience is required! If you speak English, are at least 18 years old, and are in good physical condition, you can do this!
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Outstanding Recognition for ARCHELON at the Effective Dialogue Conference 2025
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, ARCHELON received an honorary distinction for its substantial contribution to effective dialogue on sustainability, social responsibility, and the environment
- OUR NEWS06/11/2025
6th Year of Online Tours: The sea turtles are traveling across Greece once again!
Students from every corner of the country, as well as from international schools, have the opportunity to learn up close about the lives of the turtles cared for at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada, Attica, and to discover how rescue efforts impact the marine world.
- OUR NEWS31/10/2025
The lecture turned into reality: A real turtle rescue for the students from Kallithea!
The students spotted a sea turtle floating in the water right after their educational tour of the ARCHELON Rescue Centre and immediately notified the rescuers.
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LIFE MareNatura Documentary Premier
From seabird monitoring and genetic sampling, to unique underwater footage of marine mammals, the testimonies of scientists bring to life the hidden stories of the sea.
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ARCHELON participates in the "Science Festival 2025 – The Voice of the Ocean"
The French Institute of Greece is organizing a celebration from 10 to 27 November 2025 dedicated to science and the ocean! World premiere of the LIFE MareNatura documentary on November 13th.