Rescue center for protection of turtles

The first and only of its kind in Bulgaria center for rehabilitation and breeding of turtles is located at the foot of Stara Planina mountain, near the village of Banya, 25 km away from Nessebar. The Rescue center is called "Protecting the turtles". It was built entirely with personal funds of Mr. Ivo Ivanchev at the territory of his personal property in the village. 

In 2007, Mr. Ivanchev creates the "Gea Chelonia" - the first non-governmental organization dedicated to the preservation and study of turtles. The Foundation is recognized by the Ministry of Environment and Water as the only authorized to carry out field research and the territory of our country in order to protect two species of tortoises - Testudo graeca ibera and Testudo hermanni boettgeri, located on territory of Bulgaria.

The idea of the center is to study, preserve, recover and preserve the population of tortoises. There are offered educational programs for children and students. Besides turtles here can be observed and photographed interesting birds. There are constructed two terraces, equipped with binoculars, where one can watch birds throughout the year, as well as the turtles "from the bird's eye".