Further to a press announcement from ARCHELON we are sad to report that the loggerhead turtle Hercules has died from injuries he sustained in July.
On 25 July 2019, tourists witnessed a turtle being hit by a boat. After investigations, the Marine Park Zakynthos and ARCHELON discovered that a turtle called Hercules had indeed been injured. The turtle was taken to the Glyfada rescue centre in Athens, with very bad injuries which included damage to the spine and a broken shell that exposed the pelvic bones.
Sadly, despite the incredible efforts of everyone at the rescue centre, Hercules died on the 7 September as a result of his horrific injuries, now thought to have been caused by a boat propeller.
Whilst many come to the island to turtle spot, this tragedy as well as the growing numbers of boats that crowd the turtles shows the suffering they are going through on a daily basis for tourism.
Farewell Hercules, you will be missed and it’s sad that your life ended so tragically. To read more please see the ARCHELON press report here.
Photos courtesy of Kostas Papafitsoros Photography and ARCHELON