We still need you by our side
We managed to get through last year, and we are still holding on! You were there with us on this difficult course due to the pandemic, and we always want you by our side!
Your help to save the injured turtles at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Center in Glyfada is crucial for us to continue our work and overcome the unprecedented challenges caused by the pandemic restrictions.
The need for medicine, equipment, and consumables for the treatment of the injured turtles arriving from all parts of Greece has not ceased to exist, nor have our efforts to care for them. In 2020, 52 turtles were cared for by our specialized Rescue Center staff and ARCHELON volunteers, who were significantly fewer in number due to pandemic-related travel restrictions. Twenty-one turtles were successfully treated and were able to return to their natural environment, 20 are still under treatment, while 11 turtles unfortunately did not survive.
Already in the first three months of 2021, another five turtles have arrived at the Center; some have old or new wounds, and others have ingested hooks and/or plastic.
Since the establishment of the ARCHELON Rescue Center in 1994, more than 1162 sea turtles have been treated there, with 56% of them having recovered and successfully been reintegrated into the sea.
We are very proud of what we have achieved, but since visitors and schools cannot yet come to the Rescue Center because of the pandemic restrictions, our anxiety and financial difficulties are mounting. Each of your donations, especially at this critical time, will have an even greater impact on our joint effort to help these animals.
The physical isolation imposed on us by the restrictive pandemic measures cannot isolate us from the effort to protect Nature and wildlife.
The arrival of spring, with warmer sea temperatures, will allow us soon to begin releasing the turtles who have been successfully treated. Your donation can give them back their freedom, with the hope that our own return to normality from the pandemic conditions will come soon.
Sea Turtles stranding on Greek coasts: The most important causes
The ARCHELON Over & Above Awards for 2020
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS24/04/2025
Are You Over 50? The Sea Turtles Need You!
If you’re 50 or older and ready to dive into a unique conservation experience, we warmly invite you to join us. Help protect sea turtles, meet like-minded people, and discover the natural beauty of Greece with ARCHELON by your side.
- OUR NEWS22/04/2025
Turning the Tide: Sea Turtle Populations Show Signs of Recovery Worldwide
The first, after a decade, global study brings encouraging news for sea turtle conservation: more than half of their populations across the globe show signs of recovery. Listed among the authors is the Research Coordinator of ARCHELON, Aliki Panagopoulou PhD, who is mobilizing the long term field work of our Society on the nesting beaches of Greece.
- OUR NEWS17/04/2025
Special 2-week volunteering opportunity on the nesting beaches – we need you this May and June!
- OUR NEWS14/04/2025
Groundbreaking Study on Microplastic Pollution of Marine Turtle Nesting Beaches
ARCHELON took part in a recent global study that has uncovered alarming levels of microplastic contamination on marine turtle nesting beaches around the world.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2025
Become a Sea Turtle Guardian in Lakonikos Bay
Gracie and Claire, two dedicated individuals who made a significant impact on the sea turtle project of Lakonikos Bay in 2024, talked about their experience.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2025
Meeting of organizations, authorities and businessmen in Rethymno: Crete is preparing for the arrival of the turtles!
On Monday, April 7, we met for another year in the hospitable city of Rethymno to participate in the meeting organized by the Regional Unit of Rethymno on the topic of management measures for the protection of the loggerhead sea turtle!
- OUR NEWS31/03/2025
150 satellite tags for the protection of sea turtles
Since 2002, ARCHELON and its partners have placed 150 satellite and GSM tags on sea turtles monitoring their vast journeys across the Mediterranean!
- OUR NEWS24/03/2025
Become a Guardian of the Night: Volunteer with ARCHELON
On some select beaches, volunteer duties also include night patrols. During the hours when the presence of people on the nesting beaches is prohibited so as not to disturb the turtles, our trained volunteers start their shift, equipped with measuring instruments, research notebooks and red flashlights.
- OUR NEWS14/03/2025
Enriching the lives of rescued sea turtles
A recent study at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre highlights the importance of environmental enrichment in improving the physical and psychological well-being of rescued sea turtles, aiding their rehabilitation and preparing them for successful release back into the wild.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2025
ARCHELON's Annual General Assembly
According to article 8 of the Statutes of ARCHELON Association, its’ members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
- OUR NEWS20/02/2025
From the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre in Egypt!
A sea turtle, previously rehabilitated at the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre, has once again made headlines, this time internationally. The tagged turtle was discovered weak and injured on an Egyptian beach after the recent rough seas. This incident, as reported by the Egyptian news agency, underscores the ongoing need to protect the fragile Mediterranean marine environment.
- OUR NEWS17/02/2025
ARCHELON's turtle toy travels the country with students and teachers
We would like to warmly thank all the schools that participated in the Online Tours during the 2023-2024 school year and spread the message of sea turtle protection to the ends of the country! The online tours for the current school year have already started.
- OUR NEWS12/02/2025
Online Presentation of Results 2024
Last year, 500 volunteers from all over the world came to help turtles in Greece! What did they achieve? Join us to find out!
- OUR NEWS11/02/2025
Historic Green Sea Turtle Nest Discovered on Rhodes Island, Greece
This species is globally endangered and the recent discovery is particularly significant as it suggests a possible shift in green turtle breeding areas.
- OUR NEWS04/02/2025
Joanne's Lifelong Passion: volunteering at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre
Joanne's lifelong passion for sea turtles led her to volunteer at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Greece, where she dedicates her time to educating visitors and contributing to the organization's conservation efforts.