MISSION
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.
PILLARS
- Protecting wildlife and land worldwide
- Building global assurance colonies and care for confiscated animals
- Advancing research
- Inspiring through storytelling
- Creating change through education
In the early 2000s, legendary reptile curator John Behler of the Bronx Zoo faced a crisis. Funding had dried up for a vital conservation program on St. Catherine’s Island, Georgia, where more than 250 rare turtles and tortoises were being safeguarded from extinction. With nowhere for the animals to go, Behler needed a lifeline.
He found one in Eric Goode—an artist, hotelier, and lifelong reptile enthusiast. In 2003, Goode stepped in and together they launched the Behler Chelonian Center in Ojai, California. What began as a sanctuary has since grown into the Turtle Conservancy: a global hub for turtle and tortoise conservation, research, education, and captive breeding.
Early days at the Ojai Conservation Center
Speckled tortoise (Chersobius signatus) hatchling
Young Radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata)
Tropical greenhouse at the Ojai Conservation Center
Peter Prichard examining turtles at the center
Impressed Tortoise (Manouria impressa) hatchlings
Early days at the Ojai Conservation Center
Speckled tortoise (Chersobius signatus) hatchling
Young Radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata)
Tropical greenhouse at the Ojai Conservation Center
Peter Prichard examining turtles at the center
Impressed Tortoise (Manouria impressa) hatchlings
The Turtle Conservancy is a global organization that creates and maintains protected areas and habitats for turtles and tortoises around the world. The TC also manages an extensive assurance colony of endangered turtles and tortoises and a research center with one of the world’s most important scientific collections of turtle and tortoise specimens.
We are a public nonprofit with a sound financial base, already a leading global turtle and tortoise conservation organization, now poised to further expand its impact.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is made up of passionate conservation leaders, scientists, and advocates dedicated to protecting endangered turtles and tortoises worldwide. Drawing from diverse backgrounds in science, philanthropy, design, and business, the board provides guidance and vision to ensure our mission thrives - locally in Ojai and across the globe.
Staff
Beyond providing expert care, our dedicated staff nurture a living sanctuary - restoring habitats, fostering native biodiversity, and ensuring each animal has the chance to thrive.
