Another Season Over!

As the thunder growls overhead and the streets of Hersonissos run with muddy water and the warm winter clothing is aired once more, it's time to declare the season over.

In spite of all its ups and downs, the year 2006 has seen yet another record in the number of visitors to Aquaworld - part of a continual growth curve which was only interrupted in 2004 - Athens Olympic year. A rather sad latter half of May and a somewhat disasterous June were more than offset by new heights reached in July, September and October.

A large part of this is due to the unfailing patronage of an ever-increasing number of regular visitors to Crete - visitors for whom a trip to Aquaworld is now simply an established part of their holiday itinerary - a "must-do" each time they're here. These folks have been particularly active in suggesting to others that they should not miss out on the experience - both by way of word of mouth and by the many favourable comments they have posted on the Internet. Our thanks to them all.

Highlights of the year started at the end of last summer with the first ever hatching of marginated tortoises (Testudo marginata) in the reptile garden. It is our hope that we will become successful enough in this respect that one day we will be releasing young tortoises on an annual basis into suitable wild habitats.

The local Balkan terrapins (Mauremys rivulata) have again produced seven young which will also eventually be released to augment threatened populations around the island.

Krakos, a three-year-old Boa constrictor, was given into our care and his former owners made the very kind gesture of donating his brand new terrarium to Aquaworld.

Burma (Python molurus bivittatus) has now grown to almost four metres and has become a star of local television as well as having had a video made for a national TV channel.

Snap, the Nile crocodile, is still with us but we are now investigating the possibility of rehoming him at the new Attica Zoo outside Athens. He still hasn't managed to chomp me - but I'm sure he still feels he owes me one!

On the other hand, Mr Prickles, the green iguana, managed to do just that and I went around for a couple of weeks with my hand in a sling. Word of advice - never get between warring male iguanas - it's painful!

Again, thanks to all concerned and we hope to see you all again next year.

John & Judith McLaren