Wallace, one of the miracles happening in the Rescue Center
Wallace, an adult male loggerhead sea turtle, was found stranded with a severe head and shell injury in Phalasarna, Crete on the 30th of June 2018. “I remember seeing the animal for the first time and thinking that the best thing that could happen to him was NOT to make it through the night, so that its suffering would not be prolonged” says Odysseas Paxinos, the project officer for ARCHELON’s projects on Crete. With the help of people, the determination of the captain of the local ferry boat company and the Port Police he reached Chania. From there, he was transferred by an ANEK lines ferry to Pireaus and then by car to in the ARCHELON Rescue Center in Glyfada.
His treatment period was long, it took more than one year! Through the restless efforts of Eirini Kasimati, the rescue and rehabilitation officer, Michael Moraitis, who has been voluntarily supporting the Rescue Center for many years and of all the volunteers who served in the Rescue center, Wallace’s wounds were healed and his rehabilitation process was successful. That was a miracle!
His return journey to the sea of Crete started on the 30th of June with the support of TUI CARE Foundation. “I am more than glad to have been proven wrong by the people in the Rescue Center and by Wallace itself. These ancient creatures are strong survivors.” concludes Odysseas.
The release of Wallace back to the sea took place on Luly 1st and was a touching event, supported and sponsored by Grecotel Hotels and Resorts. Strong winds and big waves did not prevent about 350 people from joining the event to say good bye to Wallace. Right on the beach, in front of Grecotel Creta Palace in Misira, Rethymno, we watched the magnificent animal returning to its home, the sea, leaving the coast and humans behind.
This ARCHELON event is part of the TUI TURTLE AID Greece project, funded by TUI Care Foundation. It was organized with the aim of raising awareness amongst visitors and locals on issues related to the conservation of sea turtles on Crete. More than 300 loggerhead nests are laid every summer on Cretan beaches. ARCHELON’s volunteering projects for monitoring and protection of nesting activity on Crete are located in Rethymno, Chania and Messara bay.
The ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Tour is now available!
Year two of loggerhead satellite tagging in Southern Kyparissia!
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS24/02/2026
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When we analyzed the turtles’ codes, we realized that this was a turtle that had been tagged for the first time in the area 32 years ago! Specifically, turtle P4849 was tagged on July 7, 1993 and today is the turtle with the longest documented reproductive lifespan in Kyparissia Bay!
- OUR NEWS18/02/2026
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- OUR NEWS23/01/2026
A turtle we treated 10 years ago was found in Spain!
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- OUR NEWS02/01/2026
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- OUR NEWS17/12/2025
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- OUR NEWS12/12/2025
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- OUR NEWS10/12/2025
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- OUR NEWS08/12/2025
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- OUR NEWS01/12/2025
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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