I am frequently asked the question, “Why turtles?” The short answer is that from Aesop on, turtles have been part of our cultural and natural heritage. They have always represented wisdom and foresight, and today they tell us whether or not we are properly caring for the planet we all live on. We can learn from their patience and persistence. Today we are facing a global wildlife extinction crisis that is made up of many complex problems including habitat destruction, climate change, poaching, and illegal trade.

Turtles and tortoises have been on earth for more than 200 million years, before the great dinosaurs roamed the planet and today they face unprecedented challenges for their very survival. No vertebrate order has a greater percentage of species facing extinction. The Turtle Conservancy is dedicated to protecting threatened turtles and tortoises and their habitats worldwide, and to promoting their appreciation by people everywhere.

Our goals are not only to stabilize populations for the short term, but also to ensure that they thrive for future generations to come.