The return to the wild: invitation to an unforgettable experience Tuesday, July 3rd, Rethymno
Witnessing a sea turtle being released back to the sea is a rather rare occasion. An opportunity to attend such a public event in Rethymno presents itself with the release of a loggerhead given the name "Anastasia", by ARCHELON. ARCHELON’s locally based field team is organizing the transport from the Rescue Centre near Athens to Crete and the event marks the start of the implementation of the TUI Turtle Aid - Sea Turtle Welcome Program on Crete.
Anastasia is an adult female loggerhead turtle, weighing 52 kilos and 75 centimeters long. She was found with a severe wound on the head in northern Greece on February 2nd 2018 and was given first aid and clinical tests in the Unit for Wild and Exotic Amimals of the Veterinary School, Univeristy of Thessaloniki (Head of unit Ms. N. Komninou). After getting into a stabilized status, the turtle reached the Rescue Center for further treatment and rehabilitation. She is now ready to continue her travels in the Mediterranean Sea.
The volunteers of ARCHELON Rethymno project are happy to acknowledge the cooperation of the Grecotel Group and the Municipality of Rethymno in organizing this event.
Everybody is invited to the release of "Anastasia" that will take place on Tuesday, July 3rd, at 11:00 am, in front of the Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort in the Adele area of Rethymno.
We are looking forward to introducing you to the oldest visitor of the island!
Informations:
Paxinos Odysseas, Crete Project Coordinator ARCHELON, mob.: 6937352379, email: archelon.crete@gmail.com
fb: ARCHELON Crete, ARCHELON, the official page

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