Turtle Conservancy

Time lapse of Ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora) hatching from it’s egg

Turtles have roamed the earth for millions of years. But today, they’re some of its most endangered inhabitants, under threat from habitat loss, climate change, and poachers. Founded in 2005, the Turtle Conservancy is dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable species, many of whom play key roles in ecosystem health and biodiversity. Together with our partners, we protect over 65 species and have preserved more than 70,000 acres of wildlife around the globe. Our holistic, 360° approach encompasses captive breeding, land conservation, field research, education, and community outreach.

Ploughshare Tortoise Rewilding Initiative

The Ploughshare Tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora) is one of the rarest animals on Earth. It is found only in a corner of northwestern Madagascar. The Ploughshare Tortoise's golden shell made it a black-market prize - poaching nearly wiped it out. Fewer than 1,500 remain in the wild today. Now rewilding is bringing it back.

In 2025, tortoises rescued from smugglers and brought to our Ojai sanctuary in 2010 finally bred, producing 25 hatchlings — the first successful breeding of this species outside Madagascar. Now, we're preparing to return their descendants to the country where they were trafficked nearly out of existence.

Your donation helps bring them home.

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Fundraising Goal: $1,000,000

To support confiscation breeding and rewilding

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Ploughshare Tortoise Rewilding Initiative

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The Ojai valley

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Entrance at the Turtle Conservancy

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The greenhouse recreates a rainforest habitat

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Tortoises getting some afternoon sunshine

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A pair of Indian Roofed Turtles (Pangshura tecta)

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The Galapagos Tortoise enclosure

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A student with a Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea)

Situated on 90 acres of pristine nature in Ojai, California, our conservation center provides care to over 600 turtles and 40 species, some of which are considered extinct in the wild.
Here, we focus on breeding to create assurance colonies in case disease, environmental disaster, or poaching should compromise wild populations. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the center furnishes our animals with naturalistic enclosures, organic meals, and daily check ups. Learn More

Fighting the Illegal Turtle Trade

The Turtle Conservancy combats wildlife trafficking through confiscation management, insurance breeding colonies, and repatriation - working on the front lines from Palawan to Madagascar to Hong Kong, and partnering with USFWS and CDFW to protect native species like Box, Wood, and Spotted turtles here at home. Since 2017, we've taken in 810 turtles across 20 species, at an estimated operational cost of $250,000 a year. This critical, costly work depends on support like yours.

Your donation helps give trafficked turtles a second chance.

Learn More

Fundraising Goal: $1,000,000

To support confiscation management and repatriations

Donate Now

About

The Conservancy has been protecting turtles in over 60 countries for 20 years. We own and manage preserves for the most endangered chelonian of the world and protect over 76,000 acres of land. Our missions are:

Protecting wildlife and land
Building assurance colonies & care for confiscated animals
Advancing research
Inspiring through storytelling
Creating change through education

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EDUCATION

Turtles are among the earth’s oldest and most fascinating living beings. The more you learn about them, the more you understand why they deserve our protection. We’ve developed a robust educational platform that includes classes at a local Ojai school, internships, and grade-specific lesson modules. Learn More

RESEARCH

Research is a cornerstone of our conservation strategy, providing valuable insights into the behavior, habitats, and overall well-being of turtles. Our expertise lies in conducting field studies, often in collaboration with universities, zoos, and global nonprofit organizations. In 2021, the Turtle Conservancy acquired the world's third-largest collection of turtle and tortoise specimens, comprising over 14,000 items, previously owned by the esteemed turtle conservationist, the late Dr. Peter Pritchard. Learn More

OUTREACH

Our community outreach efforts span public speaking engagements, interactive workshops, and celebrity PSA campaigns. Our annual magazine, The Tortoise, features topics from the illicit turtle trade to the role of AI in conservation. Learn More

Membership

Join the Turtle Conservancy in our mission to protect endangered turtle and tortoise species worldwide. As a member, you’ll receive admission to our Ojai center, discounts at our gift shop and online store, and many other exclusive benefits. Your support directly contributes to vital initiatives such as habitat preservation, breeding programs, and scientific research, ensuring the survival of these animals for generations to come.

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