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 NEWS17/12/2025
ARCHELON’s Research: Expanding the Map of Mediterranean Green Turtles
In recent years, some green turtle nests have been recorded in Greece, indicating that the geographical spread of this species’ nesting areas in the Mediterranean is beginning to expand.
- OUR NEWS12/12/2025
The Power Behind Sea Turtle Conservation: Our 2025 Field Leaders
With deep gratitude, we honor all the Field Leaders who contributed to the success of the 2025 Field Projects.
- OUR NEWS10/12/2025
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A new scientific record brings to light an extremely rare event for the marine life of the Mediterranean: the first confirmed appearance of an adult Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) attempting to nest in the Mediterranean basin.
- OUR NEWS08/12/2025
Applications Now Open for 2026 ARCHELON Field Leaders Posts!
ARCHELON is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Field Leader positions across all nesting projects (applications open until January 31st).
- OUR NEWS05/12/2025
Saving Sea Turtles Together – A Tribute to Volunteers
On Volunteer Day, we take a moment to celebrate all those who came from near and far, put on the blue T-shirt, and embraced this important responsibility.
- OUR NEWS01/12/2025
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On the beaches of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, around 2,155 turtle nests successfully hatched thanks to active protection measures, but human pressures on coastal and marine habitats continue.
- OUR NEWS26/11/2025
A Second Chance: Two Loggerhead Sea Turtles Return to the Sea Thanks to Dedicated Rescues
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!
- OUR NEWS10/11/2025
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.
- OUR NEWS24/10/2025
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.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2025
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.
- OUR NEWS22/10/2025
Kyparissia Bay: ARCHELON Records 6,100 Nests and Calls on the State to Immediately Implement the National Action Plan for the Loggerhead
In 2025 approximately 6,100 nests were recorded, marking a 74% increase compared to the average of the previous 12 years!
- OUR NEWS10/10/2025
We bid farewell to a devoted environmentalist and friend, Yiannis Roussopoulos.