During the winter months, the Turtle Conservancy’s Conservation Center experiences a tranquil period. Many species enter hibernation, while others seek refuge in our climate-controlled indoor habitats during inclement weather. This lull in activity provides the Turtles Conservancy Staff with the perfect opportunity to embark on various updates and improvements around the center, and they've been hard at work!

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!