ARCHELON
The Sea Turtle Directory
Country: Greece
Organization / Project Name: ARCHELON/ The Sea Turtle Rescue Centre
Website: https://archelon.gr/en
Description: The Sea Turtle Rescue Center has been operating since 1994 in Glyfada, Attica, next to the sea. It was founded by ARCHELON with the support of the Municipality of Glyfada and the Ministry of the Environment and is one of the first Sea Turtle Rescue Centers in the Mediterranean and the only one in Greece. Part of its infrastructure is housed in old train wagons provided to ARCHELON by the Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE). Approximately 70 injured or sick sea turtles each year arrive at the Rescue Center, where they undergo treatment and rehabilitation and their return to the sea is organized. The operation and maintenance of the Rescue Center is based on qualified permanent staff, volunteers who are residents of Attica and volunteers from all over the world. During 2022, 32 turtles were successfully treated and re-introduced to their natural environment, and 11,000 visitors to the Rescue Centre were guided and informed in the same year. The operation and maintenance of the Rescue Centre is based on volunteers. Every year about 60 volunteers contribute to sea turtle treatment, maintenance duties and public awareness.
Species of focus: Loggerheads (Caretta caretta), Green turtles (Chelonia mydas)
Volunteer program: Yes
Tourist activities (Y/N): Yes
Primary Areas of Work: Environmental education/community outreach, Stranding response, Rescue and rehabilitation
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/archelon.gr
Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/archelon_greece/