Yaniv Levy

Dr. Yaniv Levy established the National Sea Turtle Rescue Center in Israel in 1999 and has managed it since. Under his leadership, the center has joined the global effort to save endangered sea turtles. He mentors and supervises staff in medical diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation, emergency responses, and patient monitoring. Dr. Levy also recruits and trains staff and volunteers, conducts surgeries, and performs research. Live-stranded marine mammals are occasionally treated at the rescue center under his supervision. Since 2004, Dr. Levy has served as the Coordinator and Supervisor of the Marine Turtle Conservation Project in Israel under the Nature and Parks Authority. He oversees all conservation efforts to improve marine turtle populations in Israel, including coastal surveys, nest relocations to hatcheries, and data and sample collection from stranded turtles. He trains rangers and volunteers and has established the Turtle Rescue Center and a breeding group for green sea turtles. His work also involves scientific research and promoting public awareness through lectures, educational programs, and media.
Dr. Levy is a member of the Marine Turtle Specialist Group (MTSG) under the IUCN, ensuring compliance with regulations on turtle husbandry and managing budgets. Recently, he secured governmental funding and donations to build a state-of-the-art sea turtle hospital and establish the world’s first productive green sea turtle breeding group for conservation. His dedication has significantly contributed to the conservation and rehabilitation of marine turtles in Israel, and he believes in public education and “hands-on” involvement, with over 700 volunteers participating in various projects to protect and preserve marine turtles.