The number of arrivals of injured or sick sea turtles at the ARCHELON Rescue Center is particularly high this summer, while the number of volunteers from abroad is limited for reasons of protection from COVID-19.

"We are surprised by the number of animals that have arrived at the Rescue Center this summer," says Eirini Kasimati, the Rescue and Rehabilitation Officer. "Although several turtles that have fully recovered have been released back to the sea in the past weeks, the pace of arrivals is intense. We are treating 37 turtles at the end of this day and almost all the tanks are occupied. The turtles usually arrive at night and need immediate care, so there is no time left for the team's basic rest," she continues.

For this reason, ARCHELON proceeds to the invitation of volunteers / interns for the role of Rehabilitation Assistant. Rehabilitation Assistants are volunteers who participate in all rescue and care operations for injured or sick sea turtles, take care of emergencies, set up the weekly and daily volunteer program at the Rescue Center, and oversee its implementation. They have a term of 6 months and reside in the shared facilities of the Center. The training and supervision of the Rehabilitation Assistants is the responsibility of the Rescue and Rehabilitation Officer.

See more about the role of Rehabilitation Assistants, the requirements and selection criteria here.

We note that especially for the first half of 2022 the deadline for applications is October 30, 2021 and the responses are to be expected by November 15.