Turtle Conservancy

To protect the world's most endangered turtles and tortoises and the habitats they depend on.

Vision

A world where all species of turtles and tortoises ultimately thrive in the wild.

Core pillars of our work

• Wildlife and land conservation – creating and managing protected areas and preserves for highly threatened chelonian species around the world.
• Assurance colonies and confiscations – maintaining captive breeding populations (assurance colonies) for critically endangered species and providing expert care for confiscated turtles and tortoises.
• Turning research into action – conducting and supporting field research and managing one of the world's major scientific collections of turtle and tortoise specimens.
• Storytelling and media – raising global awareness through publications, film, and other media.
• Education and outreach – engaging students, educators, and the public through classes, internships, talks, and community outreach.

Global conservation work

• Active in over 60 countries protecting turtles and tortoises.
• Owns or manages preserves covering more than 70,000 acres (over 76,000 acres on some materials) of habitat for highly endangered species.
• Focus areas include:
• Land protection and habitat management.
• Captive breeding and assurance colonies for critically endangered turtles and tortoises.
• Support for field research and conservation projects with partners worldwide.

Ojai Conservation Center (California)

• Located on approximately 90 acres in Ojai, California.
• Houses over 600 turtles and tortoises representing more than 40 species, including species that are extinct or nearly extinct in the wild.
• Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
• Provides:
• Naturalistic enclosures.
• Carefully designed habitats including greenhouses that recreate rainforest conditions.
• Organic diets and daily health checks.

The Ojai center focuses on breeding assurance colonies so that, if wild populations are impacted by disease, poaching, or environmental change, there are healthy backup populations under human care.

Ploughshare Tortoise Rewilding Initiative (example project)

• The Ploughshare Tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora) is among the rarest animals on Earth, naturally found only in northwestern Madagascar.
• Poaching for the illegal wildlife trade has reduced wild numbers to fewer than 1,500 individuals.
• In 2025, tortoises rescued from smugglers and brought to the Ojai sanctuary in 2010 successfully bred, producing 25 hatchlings — the first recorded breeding of this species outside Madagascar.
• The Conservancy is working toward returning descendants of these animals to protected habitat in Madagascar as part of a long‑term rewilding effort.

Fighting the illegal turtle trade

• Works on the front lines against illegal trafficking of turtles and tortoises.
• Activities include:
• Confiscation management and emergency housing for seized animals.
• Building insurance/assurance breeding colonies.
• Repatriating animals to their native range when possible.
• Since 2017, the Turtle Conservancy has taken in over 800 confiscated turtles across 20 species, at an operational cost of roughly $250,000 per year.
• Collaborates with agencies such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and partners around the world.

Education, research, and outreach

• Education – local school classes in Ojai, internships, and age‑specific learning modules to teach students about turtle biology, conservation, and ecosystems.
• Research – field studies and collaborations with universities, zoos, and global NGOs; stewardship of a very large scientific specimen collection that supports research on turtle evolution, ecology, and conservation. In 2021, the Conservancy acquired the world's third‑largest collection of turtle and tortoise specimens, with over 14,000 items, formerly curated by the late Dr. Peter Pritchard.
• Outreach – public talks, workshops, media campaigns, and an annual magazine (*The Tortoise*) covering topics such as the illegal wildlife trade and the role of technology in conservation.

Organizational status

• The Turtle Conservancy is a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a global mission focused on turtle and tortoise conservation, research, and education.
• Founded in 2005, the organization works with partners worldwide to safeguard vulnerable species that play key roles in ecosystem health and biodiversity.

Media and press

• Media and press inquiries can be directed via the Contact page of the Turtle Conservancy website. Contact details there are kept current for journalists and media partners.

Phone and fax

• Main office phone: +1 (212) 353‑5060
• Fax: +1 (212) 353‑5014

(Phone and fax numbers can change; always check the website's Contact page for the most current details.)

Mailing address

For correspondence and mailed donations:

Turtle Conservancy

P.O. Box 1289

Ojai, California 93024

United States

Online contact

• The website provides contact forms and email addresses (such as info@turtleconservancy.org) for specific topics including donations, volunteering, adoptions, and general questions.
• For questions not covered in the FAQ, supporters can use these channels to reach the appropriate team member.

For the most accurate and current contact information, refer directly to the Contact and Donate pages on the Turtle Conservancy website.

The Turtle Conservancy is not a general‑purpose rescue

• The organization's focus is on conservation of threatened and endangered species, not operating as a general pet rescue.
• They occasionally accept individual animals that have significant conservation value, including some species maintained at the Southern California conservation center.
• For most pet turtles and tortoises that need a new home, the Conservancy generally refers people to local reptile clubs, turtle rescues, or animal shelters that specialize in such placements.

If you can no longer care for a pet turtle or tortoise

• It is not recommended to contact the Conservancy as a first resort for common pet species, because they are not structured as a general rescue facility.
• Better options typically include:
• A local turtle or tortoise organization.
• A local reptile club.
• A local animal shelter or rescue with experience in reptiles.
• Guidance from ASPCA or U.S. Fish and Wildlife offices on appropriate local resources.

Releasing pets into the wild

• The Turtle Conservancy strongly advises against releasing pet turtles or tortoises into the wild.
• Reasons include:
• Many pet species are non‑native or invasive, and can out‑compete native wildlife for food, water, and habitat.
• Pets may carry diseases (such as respiratory infections, mycoplasma, or ranavirus) that can harm or kill wild turtles and tortoises.
• This warning applies even to species that are native somewhere in the region (for example, California Desert Tortoises), as they may still transmit disease to wild populations.

If you find a turtle or tortoise in the wild

• If the animal is in a natural setting and not in immediate danger, the best approach is usually to leave it alone and observe from a distance.
• If the animal is in immediate danger (e.g., in a road or an active development area), you may gently move it out of harm's way in the direction it was already traveling and release it nearby.
• If you believe the animal might be an escaped pet or a non‑native species, contact:
• A local turtle or reptile organization.
• A local rescue or shelter.
• Your local U.S. Fish and Wildlife office for guidance.

Identifying species

• The Conservancy provides natural‑history information for many species on its Species pages.
• For help identifying a turtle or tortoise:
• Use online resources and images showing different life stages of the species.
• If you still cannot identify it, you may email a clear photo and the location where it was found to the Conservancy (for example, info@turtleconservancy.org) for assistance.

For complete and up‑to‑date information on adoptions and placement policies, please refer to the FAQ and Adoptions sections of the Turtle Conservancy website.

• The Turtle Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States.
• All gifts are generally tax‑deductible within the U.S.; donors should consult their own tax advisor for specific guidance.
• The organization's U.S. tax ID (EIN) is 20-2899240.

Main ways to donate

1. Online donations

• You can donate securely through the online donation page on the Turtle Conservancy website.
• There is a minimum amount for credit‑card donations because payment processors charge fees; the goal is to ensure your gift is not mostly absorbed by processing costs.

2. Donate by mail

Mail checks or other eligible gifts to:

Turtle Conservancy

P.O. Box 1289

Ojai, CA 93024

(Please follow any instructions or forms provided on the Donate page for the most up‑to‑date details.)

3. Donate by phone

• You can donate by phone by calling the main office:

Turtle Conservancy Office: (212) 353-5060

4. Non‑cash contributions

• The Conservancy can accept certain non‑cash or in‑kind donations.
• Donors must be able to substantiate the fair market value of the goods or property and keep any written acknowledgements for tax purposes.
• Before arranging an in‑kind gift, email the organization (for example via info@turtleconservancy.org or another email provided on the site) to confirm the items are needed and can be put to good use.

5. Dedicated or honorary gifts

• Donations can be dedicated in memory of or on behalf of a person.
• When giving online, there is a special instructions section where you can include dedication details.

6. Monthly and recurring gifts

• Supporters may become monthly donors.
• Monthly donors receive a year‑end statement or tax letter summarizing their total contributions for the previous year.

Membership and other support

• The Conservancy offers membership options; benefits typically include admission to the Ojai Conservation Center, discounts at the gift shop and online store, and other member benefits.
• Membership dues and donations help fund:
• Habitat protection and land acquisition.
• Breeding and assurance colony programs.
• Scientific research and field projects.
• Education and outreach initiatives.

How donations are used (examples)

Donations support many aspects of turtle and tortoise conservation, including but not limited to:

• Land protection and reserve management.
• Captive breeding and assurance colonies for critically endangered species.
• Confiscation management and care for turtles seized from the illegal wildlife trade.
• Repatriation of animals to secure habitat where possible.
• Education programs, internships, and community outreach.
• Scientific research and maintenance of important specimen collections.

For the latest information on campaigns, projects, and giving options, refer to the Donate and Membership sections of the Turtle Conservancy website.

• Common species people ask about in the United States include red‑eared sliders, Russian tortoises, African spurred tortoises (sulcatas), desert tortoises, and box turtles.
• Appearance changes with age, so juveniles may look different from adults.
• If the turtle or tortoise is in a natural environment and not in immediate danger, the best course of action is usually to leave it alone and observe from a distance.
• If the animal is in immediate danger (for example, on a busy road or an active construction site), you may move it carefully in the direction it was already traveling and release it nearby in a safer place.

Do not take wild turtles home as pets

• It is generally illegal and harmful to collect wild tortoises from their natural habitat.
• Wild turtles and tortoises are part of complex ecosystems; removing them can damage local populations and spread disease.

Do not release pet turtles or tortoises into the wild

• Releasing pet turtles or tortoises into local ponds, lakes, or wild areas is strongly discouraged because:
• Many pets are non‑native or invasive species that compete with native wildlife for food, space, and basking sites.
• Pets can carry diseases such as respiratory infections, mycoplasma, or ranavirus, which can be deadly to wild reptiles.
• This warning includes some species that may be native to the general region, such as the California Desert Tortoise and several European and African tortoise species commonly kept as pets.

If you can no longer care for a pet turtle or tortoise

• Do not release the animal into the wild.
• Instead, look for:
• Local turtle and tortoise organizations.
• Reptile clubs.
• Rescues or shelters experienced with reptiles and exotics.
• Advice from your local ASPCA or U.S. Fish and Wildlife office on appropriate placement.

Basic feeding guidance (not species‑specific veterinary advice)

• Aquatic turtles often do well on a varied diet that includes:
• High‑quality commercial turtle pellets.
• Supplemental foods such as worms, insects, and dark leafy greens, depending on species.
• Tortoises typically require diets that are:
• Mostly dark leafy greens and high‑fiber plant material.
• Limited in fruits and rich vegetables, depending on the species.
• Terrestrial turtles may benefit from a mix including plant matter and appropriate sources of protein (for example, insects or other invertebrates), according to species needs.
• All turtles and tortoises require access to appropriate lighting and temperatures, including UVB exposure, whether provided by specialized bulbs or careful outdoor housing.

These are general guidelines and not a substitute for detailed care information for a particular species.

Where to learn more

• The Turtle Conservancy website hosts species pages with natural‑history information for many turtles and tortoises.
• Additional care information is available from reputable sources such as:
• Species‑specific books and field guides.
• Recognized conservation and herpetological organizations.
• The California Turtle and Tortoise Club and similar reputable clubs.

For medical issues, suspected illness, or specific husbandry questions, consult a qualified veterinarian experienced with reptiles. The Turtle Conservancy does not provide individual veterinary care or legal advice.

• The Turtle Conservancy welcomes volunteers who are passionate about wildlife conservation and interested in supporting turtles and tortoises.
• Volunteer roles are typically connected to the Ojai Conservation Center and education or outreach activities.
• To learn more about current volunteer opportunities, contact the Assistant Director of Education:

Manci Rasmussen – email address listed on the Join the Team page of the Turtle Conservancy website.

(Please see the website for the most current contact details and available roles.)

Internships

• The Conservancy accepts a small number of undergraduate, graduate, and veterinary interns each year.
• Interns are generally expected to:
• Have a strong interest in animal biology, veterinary medicine, conservation, or natural history collections.
• Commit to a minimum of approximately 4 weeks.
• Complete a research project during their internship and present it near the end of their stay.
• Internship details, expectations, and application steps are described on the Join the Team / internships information on the website.

Employment opportunities

• The Turtle Conservancy periodically hires staff for roles related to animal care, education, visitor experience, and operations.
• Example roles may include:
• Conservation center staff.
• Visitor or tour guides.
• Education and outreach team members.
• Job postings typically list:
• Job description and key responsibilities.
• Work location (for example, the Ojai Conservation Center).
• Schedule expectations (such as weekend work for visitor‑facing roles).
• Qualifications and skills.

Where to find current openings

• For up‑to‑date information about open jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities, visit the "Join the Team" or careers sections of the Turtle Conservancy website.
• The FAQ may also link to a separate careers page with current postings.

Because recruitment needs change over time, always rely on the current listings on the website rather than past announcements or third‑party sources.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.