Santa Pola has named the new turtle at the Aquarium “Quelone.”
The name was suggested by students from Virgen de Loreto School. It comes from Greek mythology, referring to a nymph who was punished by having to carry her home on her back. It is also the Greek word for turtle.
On October 20, the Santa Pola Aquarium welcomed a one-year-old loggerhead turtle. This is part of a collaboration between the Oceanogràfic Foundation and the Museum of the Sea. The turtle had been rescued by a fishing boat in Valencia and rehabilitated at the Oceanogràfic’s Marine Animal Recovery and Conservation Area. It was brought to Santa Pola to continue its recovery before being released back into the Mediterranean Sea.
To name the turtle, the Maritime Museum held a contest for 1,320 children from local schools. The winning entry came from Virgen de Loreto School. It was chosen for its connection to the museum’s focus on cultural and natural heritage.
Myths and Legends
According to Greek mythology, Chelone was a nymph who mocked the wedding of Zeus and Hera. Hermes, seeing her absence from the celebration, punished her by transforming her into a turtle. From that day on, she was forced to carry her home on her back. Hence the name Quelone.
Since arriving at the Aquarium, Quelone has already gained 100 grams and settled in with her companions. When the veterinary and biology team at the Oceanogràfic Foundation deem it ready, she will be returned to the Mediterranean to live freely.
