Waiting list for schools that want to visit the ARCHELON Rescue Centre
Environmental education actions have made the Loggerhead sea turtle one of the most well-known and beloved wild animals in Greece. The ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada is a pole of attraction for pupils, students and teachers from the Region of Attica, who get to meet up close with one of the most emblematic marine animals.
"There is a great response from teachers and students. All the available visiting hours until the end of the 2022-2023 school year have been booked, but a waiting list is maintained, which is activated in case of cancellations", says Anna Kontoleon, ARCHELON’s Education Officer. "More hours for online tours are likely to be added in May, if volunteers become available. This additional possibility will be activated on the basis of the waiting list", she adds.
If you are wondering how many students and teachers participate in the environmental education programs of ARCHELON, we have the answer in the chart below, which depicts the last 6 school years. As can be seen there, school visits at the Rescue Centre did not stop during the pandemic. They were adapted into an online environment, which allowed schools from all over Greece to participate in live online tours. The warm response to this program convinced us to continue the live online tours in the year 2021-2022, while, after the lifting of the restrictive measures of the pandemic, we were also able to welcome back visits from schools. The total number of participants in the Environmental Education activities at the Rescue Centre reached 10,000 students and teachers in 2021-2022 and the attendance was very close to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
"The percentage of students who participated in online tours represents 44% of the total attendance" says Anna. “Students from elementary schools were the majority, while we didn’t lack in participation of both preschool and high-school students", she adds explaining the following chart.
The stories of the injured sea turtles that are treated at the Centre help children learn about human activities that threaten the health of marine ecosystems, while witnessing their impact on wildlife. The unique experience of coming in "contact" with the turtles, helps students understand the value of protecting the marine environment as well as practical ways in which everyone can help. All educational activities are carried out under the guidance of experienced members of ARCHELON.
If you are a parent or a guardian, find out how you can schedule a visit to the Rescue Centre on weekdays and weekends (except holidays) here.
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RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS18/12/2024
An injured Loggerhead sea turtle returns to the ARCHELON Rescue Centre with plastics in its digestive system.
Greece has made progress in cutting down on plastic bag use, but we all need to do more. Sea pollution from plastic is still a major threat, harming both people and marine life.
- OUR NEWS06/12/2024
ARCHELON is on the Frontline of Sea Turtle Rescue in the Mediterranean.
For the first time, we have conducted CT scans for accurate diagnoses and started special blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor the health of sea turtles under our care.
- OUR NEWS03/12/2024
Summer 2025: Lead the Way in Sea Turtle Conservation and become a Field Leader with ARCHELON!
A limited number of experienced and capable volunteers are selected each year for the positions of Field Leaders on the ARCHELON projects. Applications and short CVs for 2025 are now accepted!
- OUR NEWS25/11/2024
Make this gift-giving season more magical: Adopt a Sea Turtle for your loved ones!
Whether it's for the wildlife lover in your life, or someone who cares about the planet, an adoption from ARCHELON is a present that keeps on giving.
- OUR NEWS18/11/2024
A Nest of Hope: Keanu's Journey with ARCHELON
Keanu Groeneveld, a Wildlife Management student from the Netherlands, recently completed an internship with ARCHELON at the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Rethymno, Crete. His experience was more than ever expected; it was a transformative journey that ignited his passion for wildlife conservation.
- OUR NEWS12/11/2024
Turtle protection through satellite trackers: TUI Care Foundation and conservation organisation ARCHELON release sea turtle in Greece
Triton was released back into the Mediterranean Sea with a satellite transmitter after several months of rehabilitation at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre. As part of the TUI Turtle Aid programme, the initiative aims to contribute valuable insights into sea turtle behaviour.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2024
A very exciting nesting record confirms the recovery of the Loggerhead population breeding in Kyparissia Bay, Greece!
This year, ARCHELON has recorded a new nesting record: 6,700 Loggerhead nests in the core nesting area of Kyparissia Bay.
- OUR NEWS28/10/2024
A wildlife symbol turned into a macabre tourist attraction
Αn embalmed Loggerhead sea turtle was found on public display in front of one of the Kastos island’s taverns.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2024
Growing Beyond Boundaries: A Volunteer's Transformation
“Through volunteering in Chania, I was able to go beyond my limits and discover a new world,” says Hyerim Ryu, explaining her motivation and sharing her experience of 5 weeks volunteering with ARCHELON.
- OUR NEWS18/10/2024
Is there any progress on establishing an all-embracing Marine Park in the Ionian Sea?
We are awaiting the results of the study with great interest, as the establishment of the new Marine Park in the Ionian Sea will be a landmark for the protection of sea turtles in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS16/10/2024
Greece's Marine Protected Areas remain unprotected
A new report, by nine environmental organizations, identifies serious deficiencies in the protection of the most important Greek marine habitats, stressing the urgent need for immediate action
- OUR NEWS14/10/2024
2025 Projects: Is it your turn to save the sea turtles?
ARCHELON is thrilled to announce the volunteering projects for 2025. If you're passionate about nature conservation and eager to make a positive impact, we invite you to join our dedicated team of volunteers.
- OUR NEWS30/09/2024
Reunite with Your Passion: Become an ARCHELON Ambassador!
Are you passionate about sea turtle conservation and want to make a positive impact on their survival? Becoming an ARCHELON ambassador is a fantastic way to contribute to this important cause.
- OUR NEWS27/09/2024
Transforming Rethymno: Sustainable tourism opportunities with the sea turtle as ambassador
With sea turtles as its ambassadors, Rethymno has the opportunity to become a global leader in sustainable tourism. By offering responsible ecotourism experiences, the tourism industry can create a legion of passionate advocates for ocean conservation.
- OUR NEWS18/09/2024
Counting the Loggerhead nests in Zakynthos - the work of an army of ants
For the past 41+ years, ARCHELON has been counting annually nests laid by loggerhead turtles on the island of Zakynthos, one of most important nesting areas in the Mediterranean.