Society for the Sea Turtles of Kefalonia SSTK
Why a rehabilitation centre on Kefalonia? At the moment there are no dedicated facilities for treating injured or ill turtles in Kefalonia.
The gruelling trip
As a result, any turtle that requires significant treatment has to be transported in a crate from Argostoli across the island in a van (on a bus has been known) to either of the ferry ports of Sami or Poros a journey of 20 miles or so, then transported by Ferry to the mainland and from there in five hour journey by road to Athens. (We would like to say a big thank you to Levante Ferries who agreed to transport the turtles for free.)
When the turtle has hopefully recovered, there is no question of subjecting it to the stress of the return journey by road but instead the turtle is released into the sea near Athens.
The journey back
Quite extraordinarily, so far, all but one of the turtles released into the sea in Athens has found their way back to Kefalonia and to Argostoli harbour, a journey of over one hundred and fifty nautical miles around a geographically complicated coastline.
However, sadly not all of the turtles who have been transported to Athens have survived. It is difficult to say if any would have been saved if the journey could have been avoided. But what is certain, is that both survivors and deceased alike would have been spared the stress of such a wholly unnatural transportation.
Treating local turtles locally
It obviously makes sense to spare a turtle that has already been traumatised or is ill, from the further trauma of the lengthy journey to Athens. Therefore, we want to construct and outfit specialised premises to avoid the necessity of such a trip. The veterinary expertise exists on the island but not the facilities. Can you help us to provide them?
Donations
Our Planned Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
These are, currently, the premises that we are hoping to transform into the education and rehabilitation centre (photos below). We currently estimate that we will need 50,000 Euros to provide a state of the art provision. Through the generosity and kindness of individuals, companies and our sponsors (thanks Estrella!) we have so far raised over 10,000 Euros. With your support, please let’s raise the rest.