A very special nest in the Laconic Gulf area.

Press release

A very special nest in the Laconic Gulf area thanks to ARCHELON - 02/07/2012

After a constant presence of almost 30 years, it’s well known to most people that the programmes of ARCHELON (The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece) and its volunteers, systematically protects sea turtles and their nesting beaches in the area. This time, though, something happened on Mavrovouni Beach in the Laconic Gulf which was anything but ordinary. On 26 June, 2012, just before sunset (and not during the night, which is the usual time for this type of activity), a Caretta caretta appeared on the beach. Unfortunately, she was unable to dig her nest successfully because she was missing her two rear flippers! ARCHELON volunteers and staff working in the area were informed of this, and quickly went to the spot. Very discretely and carefully, so as not to frighten the turtle, the volunteers dug the nest for her. She deposited more than 160 eggs in the nest, a process which took more then two hours to complete. It should be noted that that the tracks left by this turtle, which are easily recognizable due to her physical condition, had been seen on this same beach 22 times during the last two weeks! It appears that the unlucky turtle had been desperately and persistently trying to dig her nest for some time. Everyone is happy that the story had a happy ending thanks to ARCHELON, and we wish them continued luck and success in the difficult work they have undertaken. P. Theodorou (translation: J. Stournara) http://www.archelon.gr/eng/ourdeltia.php?row=row10&nid=504&fb_source=message

A very special nest in the Laconic Gulf area.