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The inaugural John Broesamle "Local Hero Award" recognizes a high school student for impactful environmental work in the Ventura River and Santa Clara River watersheds. The award is to be given annually to an applicant who embodies Broesamle's values-conservation, community, integrity, honesty, and perseverance-in creating and executing a project that addresses an environmental challenge(s) in or around their local community.

Students are required to conceive of, execute, and document the solution they implemented in the aforementioned watersheds. Projects will be evaluated on their significance, lasting impact, and their replicability elsewhere.

Applicants may seek the award for work already completed (during grades 9-I2), work in progress, or a planned project. A mentor is available to any student in need of support conceptualizing and advising their project. Seed funding for project execution is conditionally available on a request and approval basis.

The Local Hero Award-sponsored by the Turtle Conservancy-will be announced at an awards gala at the El Roblar Hotel in May 2025. Five finalists will each present a tri-fold poster describing their project, and each will be awarded a bronze plaque of a Southwestern Pond Turtle.

Articles published in local newspapers will recognize each finalist's effort. The winning project will receive a $5,000 unrestricted cash prize.

We welcomed a Critically Endangered Yucatán Box Turtle (Terrapene yucatana); a highly trafficked species from southern Mexico.

In addition, we celebrated the emergence of a Sulawesi Forest Turtle (Leucocephalon yuwonoi), a rare species from Indonesia facing significant threats in the wild. Its hatchling represents hope for a brighter future for this endangered species.

Also hatching is the Impressed Tortoise (Manouria impressa). This shy and elusive tortoise is quite challenging to keep, let alone breed in captivity.

Each of these hatchlings contributes to our mission of preserving genetic diversity and ensuring the survival of these remarkable turtles. Join us in celebrating these milestones as we continue our work to protect these incredible creatures!

A cast of renowned dancers will lead the debut season of vildwerk., a ballet and enviromental non-profit founded by TC Development Officer, Chiara Gorodesky. This unique show focuses on pressing ecological crises, including turtle extinction, butterfly migration, and climate change.

The cast features dancers from The Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, Buglisi Dance Theater, Complexions, LA Dance Project, and more.

Performances are scheduled for October 15 and 16, 2024, at 7 p.m. at El Museo del Barrio Theater. Tickets start at $35. A drinks reception with the artists and conservationists will follow the October 15 performance. vildwerk. is a new non-profit organization with a mission to raise awareness about environmental conservation and the critical issues affecting our planet through the performing arts.

The inaugural season of vildwerk. is dedicated to #therubyinitiative, centered on the only Burmese Roofed Turtle in North America—Ruby—whose species is nearing extinction.

Ruby was smuggled from Myanmar to a Hong Kong wet market before arriving in the U.S., where she was kept in captivity for 20 years in a dark basement, unable to turn around or fully leave the water. She is currently a third of her expected size due to these harsh conditions. Her survival is considered a miracle, and her location remains secret due to the high value her species holds on the black market, where she could fetch six-figure sums.

#therubyinitiative is working to find Ruby a mate, though the rarity of her species, Myanmar's civil war, and international politics complicate the search.

“vildwerk. aims to help establish an assurance colony of Ruby’s hatchlings that could be rewilded to Myanmar, allowing this species to thrive in its natural habitat We extend our thanks to the Wildlife Conservation Society, Turtle Conservancy, and the many dedicated wildlife experts who fight every day for Ruby’s survival and her vital role in our ecosystem. Ruby still has an estimated 50 years of viable egg-laying ahead of her.”

-vildwerk. founder Chiara Gorodesky

The season will highlight the beauty and fragility of our planet, with each ballet addressing a different ecological issue:

• Christopher Wheeldon presents This Bitter Earth, a poignant pas de deux set to a remix of Dinah Washington’s soulful This Bitter Earth and Max Richter’s On the Nature of Daylight.

• Joshua Beamish choreographs two works: The Golden Turtle, about trafficked and abused turtles, performed by Mara Galeazzi with music by Felipe Perez Santiago, in collaboration with Rewild and Turtle Conservancy; and a piece about species migration in the rainforest, performed by Benjamin Freemantle, Luciana Paris, and Lloyd Knight, in collaboration with Nature and Culture International.

• Mara Galeazzi also choreographs and performs a work with Jason Kittelberger on the themes of extinction and species loss.

• Briana Reed tackles climate change with Divinity in Paradox, featuring Fernando Montano, Luciana Paris, Eriko Sugimura, Amar Ramasar, Gabi Roller, Erin Gonzales, Sydney Williams, and Jacob Rodriguez.

• Gianna Reisen choreographs a piece about mycorrhizal fungi, performed by Jonathan Fahoury, Vinicius Silva, Peter Mazurowski, and Alyssa Rose Bulin. This collaboration with David K. Israel (score), Samantha Bass (set visuals), and photographer Stephanie Diani is supported by the Mycorrhizal Fund.

• Henning Rübsam dedicates his choreography to butterfly migration, performed by Luciana Paris, Fernando Montano, and Eriko Sugimura, in honor of philanthropist Barbara Tober.

• Jacqulyn Buglisi choreographs Moss Anthology Variation Number 5, performed by Buglisi Dance Theatre, with music by Jeff Beal, lighting by Jack Mehler, and costumes by Christina Giannini.

In addition to the performances, on October 15 and 16, patrons will have access to the #therubyinitiative photography exhibition, featuring works by award-winning photographers and visual artists Samantha Bass, Martin Broen, and Stephanie Diani.

For tickets and more information, visit www.vildwerk.org/season-2024.

About vildwerk.
vildwerk. is a non-profit organization founded by Chiara Gorodesky, dedicated to raising global environmental conservation awareness through dance and the performing arts. Based in New York City, vildwerk. fosters collaboration between world-leading artists, wildlife conservationists, writers, thought leaders, business people, and philanthropists. The organization aims to inspire and educate through the arts to help protect and preserve our planet, rewild ecosystems, and restore biodiversity both locally and globally.

This summer, the Turtle Conservancy was fortunate to welcome four interns who contributed to our mission in meaningful ways. Their work spanned across field research, animal care, and digital outreach, showcasing their diverse talents and passion for conservation.

Southwestern Pond Turtle Program: Field Research

Marcus Williams, an Organismal and Environmental Biology major at Virginia’s Christopher Newport University and Ashlyn O'Kert a Wildlife Sciences Major at University of Montana, under the guidance of TC biologist, Nathanael Stanek, and research assistant, Kylie Rude, spent the summer assisting with Southwestern Pond Turtle (SWPT) Field Program. Their work took them into the Sespe Wilderness and other field sites, where they conducted surveys and assisted in data collection efforts.

Using the skills he developed in the field, Marcus concluded his internship with a presentation on body condition and scoring for southwestern pond turtles. His presentation included shell anomalies including a score chart for pitting, flaking, and appeared predator trauma. Marcus was a joy to have in the field and was an integral member of our field team.

Marcus concluded his internship with a presentation on body condition and scoring for southwestern pond turtles. His presentation included shell anomalies including a score chart for pitting, flaking, and appeared predator trauma. Overall, Marcus was a joy to have in the field and was an integral member of our field team.Marcus focused his research on assessing body condition scores of SWPT’s across various field sites, providing valuable insights into the health and well-being of the turtle populations in different habitats.

Ashlyn was a vital member of our team, focused on coordinating data entry and running analysis. Her concluding presentation focused on comparing morphometrics to extreme weather events and growth variation between our field sites. Her analysis proved to be information in forming future conservation strategies and research pursuits.  Ashlyn was a pleasure to work with, and we look forward to her future marine turtle research. 

Interns are an integral part of our field program. Each year we invite students from local high schools and universities to join our team, expand their skills, and learn about Southern California's sole freshwater turtle species!

Animal Care and Research: Vocalizations of Burmese Black Mountain Tortoises

Melissa Craven, a master's student at Unity University, joined our team as part of her capstone project. Her research focused on the vocalizations of Burmese Black Mountain Tortoises, a project that has provided new insights into the behavioral communication of this species. In addition to her research, Melissa has been a great member of our animal care team! She will continue her internship through October, allowing her to further develop her research. We can’t wait for her to present her findings to our team!

Social Media and Outreach

Ella Giuliani, a english and technical communication major at Cal Poly, joined us as a social media intern, bringing fresh ideas and creativity to our digital outreach. Over the past few months, Ella has been instrumental in creating new content that highlights our conservation efforts and engages our growing online community. Keep an eye out for new reels and posts soon! 

Join Our Team: Internship Opportunities at the Turtle Conservancy!

Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and eager to make a difference? The Turtle Conservancy offers a variety of internship opportunities throughout the year, allowing students and emerging professionals to gain hands-on experience in field research, animal care, conservation outreach, and more.

Whether you’re interested in working directly with endangered species, conducting research, or helping to spread the word about our mission through social media, there’s a place for you here. Our interns play a crucial role in advancing our conservation efforts while gaining valuable skills and knowledge in the process.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your conservation career, we invite you to apply for our internship programs! Please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@turtleconservancy.org.

This spring, our staff discovered an oral/respiratory infection in our largest male, hampering his ability to eat, breathe, and swim. After weeks of treatment and antibiotics, we found him unresponsive in his infirmary tank. Immediate CPR was administered. (Yes, you can give a turtle CPR!) After regaining consciousness, we contacted Ojai Raptor Center (ORC) to use their oxygen ICU cage and surgical suite. There, we intubated the patient and continued oxygen supplementation. After about an hour of manual breathing, we left him in the ICU cage overnight at ORC. We were exhausted but incredibly grateful for the facilities and amazing support from everyone at ORC.

The next morning, we prepared for every outcome, but to our amazement, the turtle was bright, alert, and eager to climb out of the incubator! His gums were pink, indicating good oxygenation and circulation. We brought him back to TC to continue his care.

He’s now back to his old self, enjoying his favorite meals. And to top it off, he will soon be a father! One of our females, paired with him, just laid two fertile eggs. A new generation of endangered turtles is on the way!

A huge thank you to the Ojai Raptor Center for playing a vital roll in this turtle’s recovery! We are so grateful to for this collaboration with another local dedicated wildlife facility.

On September 24th, our friend, Joel Virgel Vierset will swim 21 miles from Catalina Island to the California mainland.

Joel is swimming to raise funds for the Turtle Conservancy.

This fundraiser will provide compensated field trips to the Turtle Conservancy for children from economically disadvantaged schools in Ventura County, giving them access to opportunities they might not otherwise have.

Please support Joel in his efforts to raise funds for this important cause! Learn more about Joel Virgel Vierset on Instagram @virgelviersetjoel or view one of his performances here.

Learn more about the Catalina Channel Swim

This Fourth of July, the Turtle Conservancy put on a show bigger than ever! Our turtle float was a hit once again, this year with a few additions, including a rider,  an egg hatching to reveal an adorable baby, a dancing turtle, and even a mariachi band. We love not only spreading joy during this parade, but also a message of conservation with signs including messages like “Keep Our Watershed Healthy” 

We extend a warm thank you to our Ojai community to for the love shown to the TC during the 4th of July parade!

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The Turtle Conservancy is preparing for the 2024 field season of our Southwestern Pond Turtle Conservation Program, which is committed to safeguarding California's s only native freshwater turtle, Actinemys pallida. As we return to our established research sites in Ventura County, we aim to assess how the native turtle populations have fared against the multitude of threats humans have thrown at them.

Two unusually rainy winters have brought both relief and new challenges for the Southwestern Pond Turtle. While the increased water availability following a prolonged drought offers potential for recovery, it coincides with the reopening of recreation trails in the Sespe Wilderness and Los Padres National Forest. This heightened human activity poses a risk of disrupting turtle behavior and habitat integrity, adding to the existing pressures from invasive predator species like the American bullfrog known to consume hatchling turtles.

To address these threats, ongoing collaboration with partners is essential. We continue to work closely with various organizations to mitigate the impact of invasive species and understand the changing dynamics of turtle habitats.

Our research team is focused on gathering vital data on individual turtle health, potential disease in populations, recruitment rates, and survivability. Additionally, we are investigating the severity of threats posed by both native and introduced predator species. This comprehensive approach allows us to tailor our conservation strategies effectively.

Donor support is crucial to the success of this program. By contributing to our fundraising efforts, you enable us to conduct these essential studies and pursue new avenues of inquiry. Together, we can develop targeted conservation strategies to combat the factors endangering Southwestern Pond Turtle populations across the state. Please consider donating to the TC's 2024 Southwestern Pond Turtle Field Season. Your generosity makes a significant impact in our mission to protect these precious turtles and their habitats. Every contribution counts.

The Turtle Conservancy recently hosted Dr. Zach Bell, a guest researcher from Okinawa, Japan, at our Conservation Center. Dr. Bell stands as one of the few scholars delving into the population dynamics of Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtles  (Geoemyda japonica) in their native habitat of Okinawa, Japan. After years of navigating the sensitive and guarded culture of turtle research on the lush Japanese Island of Okinawa, Dr. Bell and his partner, Aya Narukiyo, successfully joining a multi-decade long project to study the population, range, behavior, and life cycles of the elusive Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle led by researcher ​Tsutomu Otani. 

Drawing from their research experiences, Dr. Bell and Aya Narukiyo co-founded the Okinawa Kame Center, a nonprofit organization committed to preserving the native turtles of Okinawa. These turtles face critical conservation needs amid the absence of sustained conservation strategies. The natural habitat of Okinawa Island is steadily dwindling due to rampant land development, decreasing suitable habitat and forcing turtles in closer contact with development, resulting in increased deaths due to vehicle strikes.  The plight is further compounded by the illegal smuggling, primarily of two endangered species, the Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle and the Yellow-margined box turtle, for the exotic pet trade. In response to these pressing issues, the Okinawa Kame Center is committed to researching the effective population sizes and enacting targeted programs aimed at safeguarding the wild turtle populations. Collaboration with land developers is deemed essential, involving pre-development surveys to minimize the adverse impact on turtle habitats. Additionally, there is a concerted effort to raise awareness among locals, visitors, and international conservation groups about the importance of turtle preservation.

At the Turtle Conservancy, we provide a safe haven  for several Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtles. During Dr. Bell's visit, our Director and Veterinarian, James Liu, facilitated the collection of blood samples from our adult turtles. These samples will contribute to the creation of a chromosomal-level reference genome and transcriptomes, enhancing researchers' understanding of their wild counterparts and aiding conservation efforts. To learn more about this important work, visit Okinawa Kame Center’s Website

In one recently completed project, staff redesigned our African species’ enclosures in our Upper Tortoise House. These enclosures cater to species such as the parrot-beaked tortoises (homopus aerolatus), Angulated tortoises (Chersina angulata), and pancake tortoises (Malacochersus tornieri). Increased depth allows for more vegetation and burrowing space, and an increased number of enclosures accommodates our growing population of African tortoises. Additionally, the mesh lids installed on these enclosures serve to protect these delicate and small species from potential predators that may find their way into the building, such as rodents or skunks.

Our Galapagos tortoises are also reaping the benefits of recent upgrades, particularly in the form of an expanded pond. As our gentle giants continue to grow, they will greatly benefit from having a larger and more spacious area in which to soak. Given that Galapagos tortoises rely on soaking as a means of thermoregulation, they will spend much of their hot summer days lounging out in this pond. 

We're excited to share more updates from our center with you soon!

On March 6th, Manci, the Assistant Director of Education at the Turtle Conservancy, brought a wave of excitement to the Chadwick School as she visited to enlighten both 3rd and 1st-grade classes about the fascinating life cycle of turtles. The classroom buzzed with curiosity as students eagerly listened and participated in discussions, their eyes wide with wonder at the mysteries of the turtle world. Manci's interactive approach not only brought the subject to life but also allowed the children to see, touch, and inquire about real turtle shells and preserved eggs, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for these remarkable creatures.

Condor High School students lent their helping hands at the Turtle Conservancy, diving into tasks like habitat planting and enhancement with enthusiasm. The Turtle Conservancy extends our gratitude for their valuable contribution and eagerly anticipates their next visit. We're excited to extend invitations to more schools to visit our conservation center and join us in our mission to safeguard wildlife and habitats for future generations.

The Turtle Conservancy, in collaboration with partners proudly presents "Tortoise Friends," a vibrant and educational coloring book aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of South African tortoises among local children. Presented in the book in three languages - English, Xhosa, and Afrikaans - the book ensures accessibility for students across the diverse linguistic landscape of the Worcester school district. Through captivating illustrations and engaging narratives, "Tortoise Friends" introduces young minds to the fascinating world of endemic tortoise species while instilling crucial lessons on conservation and habitat protection.

The inception and conceptualization of "Tortoise Friends" was spearheaded by our lead conservation scientist, Dr. Jim Juvik. Drawing upon his expertise and passion for wildlife preservation, Dr. Juvik envisioned a project that would not only educate but also inspire young minds to become champions of conservation.

Additionally, Cherrie Smith, a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation, has been instrumental in the distribution of "Tortoise Friends" throughout the Worcester schools. Cherrie has been visiting various schools within the district, personally delivering copies of the coloring book to eager students. Her efforts have not only ensured widespread access to the educational resource but have also sparked enthusiasm and curiosity among young learners about the plight of South African tortoises. 

With the goal of nurturing empathy and stewardship towards these remarkable creatures, the coloring book serves as a valuable resource in classrooms and households alike. By empowering children with knowledge about the importance of preserving tortoise habitats, the collaborative effort seeks to inspire a generation of environmentally conscious citizens dedicated to safeguarding South Africa's natural heritage for generations to come. "Tortoise Friends" stands as a testament to the power of education and collective action in fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and wildlife.

Thank you to all who contributed to this publication, including: South African Tortoise Conservation Trust (SATC), Mapula Trust, Cape Nature, Endangered Wildlife Trust, KRIHAS, and the Hugo Naude Art Center.

Students in South Africa’s Worcester school district pose after receiving copies of “Tortoise Friends”

We were delighted to welcome Dr. Stefan Merz from Germany, who holds the distinction of being the sole individual in Europe with a breeding group of Aldabra tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea). Dr. Merz has amassed invaluable expertise in the physiology, behavior, habitat requirements, ecology and reproductive patterns of Aldabra Tortoises through his expeditions to their native island. Back in Germany, Dr. Merz meticulously recreated the natural conditions of Aldabra in a stunning Victorian-style greenhouse. Over the past several years, his efforts have yielded to successfully reproduce the tortoises. We are so grateful to have been able to host Dr. Merz at the Turtle Conservancy and we are deeply honored by his willingness to share his extensive knowledge and achievements with us.

Photos from Dr. Merz expeditions and breeding center/home in Germany

Turtle Conservancy Board Chair, Anders Rhodin, was awarded the International Sea Turtle Society Lifetime Achievement Award; an annual award honoring an individual who has had a significant impact on sea turtle biology and conservation through the course of their career.

Rhodin joins some of the giants in the sea turtle world, including past recipients Archie Carr and Peter Pritchard. He describes many decades of partnerships, projects, and dedication that lead up to the receipt of this prestigious award: 

“I am overwhelmed and deeply honored to receive this award and will be attending the sea turtle symposium in Thailand to receive the award.  At moments like this I think about the people who inspired me along the way in my turtle research and conservation efforts. 

It all started with Russ Mittermeier, my oldest and closest turtle friend and colleague, dating back to our undergraduate college days at Dartmouth and traveling together through the Amazon back in 1971, then extending through Peter Pritchard and John Behler, with whom I launched our journal, Chelonian Conservation and Biology when they were leading the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, and who both inspired and mentored me to be more than just an orthopedic surgeon. 

And then Rick Hudson who stepped up as the Asian Turtle Crisis emerged as a huge threat to freshwater turtles and tortoises and helped create and lead the Turtle Survival Alliance, followed by Eric Goode who brought his considerable personal resources to bear on making a difference for turtles globally and creating the Turtle Conservancy. Inspirational leaders, one and all. They and so many others who have either done the research or led the organizations or provided the necessary funding to help accomplish our goals have all inspired me.”

Rhodin  joined the Turtle Conservancy Board of Directors in 2006, replacing founding Board member John Behler, his close friend and conservation mentor, after John's passing, and was elected Chair of the Board in 2016. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Turtle Survival Alliance and the African Aquatic Conservation Fund. He is Founder and Director of Chelonian Research Foundation and Chair Emeritus and Executive Vice Chair of the IUCN SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, founding Co-Chair of the Turtle Conservation Fund and a former member of the Chairman’s Council of Conservation International. Rhodin is Founding Editor and Publisher, Chelonian Conservation and Biology & Chelonian Research Monographs (co-published with Turtle Conservancy). Did we mention that he is also an orthopedic surgeon (now retired)? The Turtle Conservancy is honored to have such a tireless, influential, and multifaceted visionary on our board.

We are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership between the Turtle Conservancy (TC) and the MERITO Foundation, aimed at fostering environmental education in Ventura County. Last week, the TC and MERITO hosted six middle school teachers from the De Anza Middle School (DATA) at our conservation center. This collaborative effort allowed educators to benefit from professional development opportunities offered by MERITO's renowned program, enhancing their knowledge and skills in environmental education.

During the workshop, teachers not only engaged in MERITO's valuable professional development sessions but were also given a tour of our facilities and were presented with an education module crafted by the Turtle Conservancy. This module is designed to meet Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) which includes a detailed lesson plan, an engaging presentation, and a series of hands-on activities tailored for middle school students. This marks a significant milestone for the Turtle Conservancy as it ventures into hosting teacher workshops for the first time. 

This experience aimed to inspire teachers to consider bringing their classes for field trips in the upcoming spring semester by fostering a direct connection between education and conservation practices. We look forward to welcoming educators and facilitating a collaborative journey toward a more environmentally conscious future!

Wildlife trafficking has become a pressing global crisis, driving countless species towards extinction through the illegal harvest and trade of live animals, plants, and their products. This illicit trade, estimated to be worth between $7-23 billion annually, ranks among the largest illegal enterprises, following drug and human trafficking. Not only does it endanger biodiversity, but it also poses significant risks to human health, fosters conditions conducive to disease spillover, and fuels transnational criminal networks and corruption. The rise of online wildlife trade, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia, has further exacerbated the issue, creating a vast marketplace without borders, minimal oversight, and open 24/7, enabling traffickers to exploit new markets and sell protected species as pets.

Live animals often suffer immensely during trafficking, enduring brutal conditions of capture, transport, and captivity. Despite the challenges, efforts are underway to combat this crisis. The Southern California Wildlife Confiscations Network, operating under the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, aims to reduce wildlife trafficking by establishing a coordinated system to ensure the care and welfare of confiscated live wildlife. This initiative brings together various organizations to uphold high standards of wildlife management, with the goal of building a national network to combat this devastating trade.

To address this urgent issue, individuals can take action by staying informed and making informed purchases. Websites like wildlifetraffickingalliance.org provide resources to raise awareness and encourage responsible consumer choices. Additionally, resources like NotaPet.net offer insights into the victims of wildlife trafficking, educating the public on the importance of reducing demand for wild animals in the illegal pet trade. Reporting wildlife crime is crucial; if anyone suspects wildlife trafficking, they can contact the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Tips line at fws_tips@fws.gov or 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477). Together, these actions can contribute to the fight against wildlife trafficking, safeguarding biodiversity and promoting a more sustainable future for all.

On Sunday, October 22nd, 30 veterinary students from Western University of Health and Science embarked on a day dedicated to turtle medicine at the TC. Under the guidance of Dr. Curtis Eng, Director of Clinical Rotations at Western University, visiting veterinarian Dr. Jonathan Ho, and TC director Dr. James Liu, these students had the unique opportunity to interact closely with some of the TC residents. The day was structured around several educational stations.

At the first station, students learned about tortoise beak trims. Tortoises possess continuously growing beaks, and captive tortoises sometimes require beak trims to maintain their beak length. Their beaks are keratin and lack any nerve endings, so while grinding the beak is not painful, most tortoises do not enjoy it and retract into their shells, further complicating the procedure. During this hands-on experience, students focused on Burmese black mountain tortoises, a large and incredibly strong Asian tortoise species. Using a dremel tool, students carefully ground down the tortoises' beaks, providing them with practical skills and insight into the complexities and physical demands of this task.

The second station introduced students to the concept of pit tags for tortoises. Similar to microchipping dogs or cats, tortoises can also be identified individually using pit tags. However, the process is more intricate due to the tortoises' tough skin and their ability to retract their back legs into their shells. Rising to  the challenges, students practiced inserting microchips under the skin of the tortoises' back legs, honing their skills in this delicate procedure.

Lastly, students conducted health checks and fecal examinations on various turtle species. They delved into the intricacies of turtle anatomy, learning how to assess the health of these creatures. Additionally, they collected fecal samples and examined them for parasites and nematodes under a microscope. 

Throughout the day, these veterinary students not only expanded their knowledge of turtle medicine but also honed their practical skills. We extend our gratitude to both the dedicated students and instructors for valuable service to our valuable animal collection. The TC is grateful to provide the next generation of animal practitioners with the opportunity to learn the unique skills associated with chelonian care.  

Adding a touch of fun, we organized a turtle scavenger hunt, which captivated families and children, offering an enjoyable and educational way to learn about turtles. The positive response from the community was encouraging, and we are eager to channel this momentum into our ongoing mission of turtle and tortoise conservation. Thanks to all who joined us, and stay tuned for more updates on our upcoming initiatives.

The Turtle Conservation (TC) witnessed the hatching of two Japanese Black-Breasted Leaf Turtles (Geoemyda japonica). The Japanese Black-Breasted Leaf Turtle, native to the dense forests and marshes of Japan, is renowned for its elusive nature and striking appearance: with its smooth, jet-black plastron and a keeled carapace that bears striking resemblance to a fallen leaf.  Due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade, their populations have been dwindling rapidly, pushing them to the brink of extinction.

The successful hatching of the Japanese Black-Breasted Leaf Turtles at the TC is a testament to the importance of captive conservation efforts. Welcome to the world little ones!

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed federal protections for both species of western pond turtle (A. marmorata and A. pallida), namely the northwestern pond turtle and the southwestern pond turtle, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). These turtles, residing across several states in the western U.S., are facing threats from worsening drought conditions, habitat loss, fragmentation, and interference from invasive species through predation, competition, and changing upland and aquatic habitats. The Service's decision to list them as threatened under the ESA is based on a Species Status Assessment, indicating their increasing risk of extinction due to population losses and reduced genetic diversity. A 4(d) rule is also proposed, allowing activities like wildfire suppression, habitat restoration, and non-native species removal that support turtle conservation.

Federal protections under the ESA would help in immediate conservation, raising public awareness about the threats, and encouraging collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, including federal agencies, state and local governments, conservation organizations, and individuals. The Turtle Conservancy supports conservation efforts by monitoring local populations of Southern Pacific Pond Turtles. The Service's final rule will be based on the best available scientific and commercial data and public comments received during the comment period.

Want to help these turtles gain protection? Leave a comment with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support the listing of the Western Pond Turtle as Vulnerable under the Endangered Species Act. Comments will be accepted until December 3rd 2023