Dear Supporters,
In these challenging times, the Turtle Conservancy is still pursuing our mission and vision, thanks in part to all of your past support. We continue to care for the rescued animals at our conservation center in Ojai and manage our international wildlife preserves.
As you may know, I recently produced and directed the Tiger King series on Netflix, a personal journey that started with the investigation of the wildlife trade. It evolved into an exposé, documenting unsavory aspects of the tiger industry and roadside zoos in America. I witnessed the plight of not only captive tigers, but also that of wild animals around the world. Making the series reaffirmed my conviction that protecting wildlife along with their ecosystems is one of humanity's top priorities.
As COVID-19 demonstrates, our future is inextricably linked with nature. The more stressed ecological systems become, the more humans become the targets of emerging disease, unbuffered by the vast array of species in a healthy ecosystem. It's time to end the exploitation of nature that increases our exposure to pathogens jumping from animals to humans, threatening our survival.
Many years ago I founded the Turtle Conservancy to help protect wild land and save one of the most endangered groups of animals on the planet, turtles and tortoises. I remain a fervent believer in our motto: "Save Turtles, Save the Planet." We have already lost 50% of all life on Earth in the past 40 years. To help reach our goals, my fellow Tiger King filmmakers and I pledge $2 million to stop wildlife trade and protect critical habitat. Of course this is just a start, we will need much more funding to realize this vision. Please join me on this special Giving Tuesday to bolster our support. Your tax-deductible donation to the Turtle Conservancy will support habitat protection and our partners, including Endthetrade.com.
We are currently pursuing additional land purchases to expand our on-the-ground field conservation programs in South Africa and Mexico. This will protect several endangered turtle and tortoise species and all biodiversity they coexist with (including several wild cat species). We continue to fight against the wildlife trade by rescuing confiscated animals at our conservation center and support our overseas partners.
In these surreal times, I hope we recognize our impact on nature and our role within it. I send my wishes that you and your family stay healthy during this trying time.
Warmly,
Eric Goode
