We at Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) immediately mobilized to provide logistical, veterinary, and financial support to our partner in Mexico, Guadalajara Zoo. The effort has been intense, with the zoo’s teams triaging, stabilizing, and providing top-quality care while carefully organizing the turtles by species. Space is limited, but with support from donors around the world, additional housing is on the way.

TSA’s Senior Director of Conservation and Science, Andrew Walde, who is currently on site, reports that the turtles display a range of conditions. Some are alert and engaging in natural behaviors, such as exploring their bins and interacting with bin mates, signs of cautious optimism. Unfortunately, there continues to be sick, weak, or stressed animals, and some further mortality is expected given the conditions in which they were held by traffickers. Species such as the Alamos Mud Turtle (Kinosternon alamosae) have suffered higher losses, making disease testing and careful quarantine a top priority. The team is meticulously avoiding cross-contamination, critical for the long-term recovery of these animals.

The global response to this crisis has been inspiring. To date, 127 individuals and organizations have generously contributed funding to assist the effort. In particular, the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) has pledged $10,000 USD. “We at the DZS are very grateful to the entire TSA team and the Guadalajara Zoo for stepping up to assist and lead during this crisis,” said David Dimitrie, Director of Conservation. “We value all the hard work of TSA as we continue to strengthen our commitment to both turtle conservation and combating the illegal wildlife trafficking crisis.”

The Guadalajara Zoo continues to methodically clean and organize the turtles, placing high-value and smaller individuals in appropriately-sized bins in limited numbers, while allocating larger species to the remaining suitable spaces. Every detail, from feeding to providing hiding spots, is addressed to give these turtles the best chance at survival. Additional materials are being sourced to create safe shelters, and every team member is focused on stabilizing as many animals as possible.

This seizure is a sobering reminder of the threats wild turtles face, but it also highlights the extraordinary efforts of conservationists, veterinarians, and institutions who step up in times of crisis. The collaboration between TSA, the Guadalajara Zoo, and supportive individuals and organizations, like DZS, offers hope that these turtles can survive, contribute to assurance colonies, and eventually return to wild populations.

We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops and more turtles are stabilized.

Header image: Vallarta Mud Turtles (Kinosternon vogti). All photos by Andrew Walde

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Please consider making a donation today. Every dollar helps provide urgent medical care, disease testing, and long-term care for these rescued turtles.

The post Update from Mexico: Conservationists Mobilize to Save Survivors appeared first on Turtle Survival Alliance.

Thanks to a grant through the Fonseca Species Conservation Fund, we support PhD Student Amétépé Hounmavo to perform these studies which include field transects, trapping, face-to-face interviews, and bushmeat market surveys–all of which have proven effective in this region for other studies. Gathering data on the distribution, habitat preferences, and local status of turtle populations will give us a greater understanding of what conservation action is needed. 

Species featured in this study include the Senegal Flapshell Turtle (Cyclanorbis senegalensis), the African Softshell Turtle (Trionyx triunguis), the West African Mud Turtle (Pelusios castaneus), the African Helmuted Turtle (Pelomedusa olivacea), the Western Hinge-back Tortoise (Kinixys nogueyi), the African Spurred Tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata), and Africa’s rarest turtle species: the Nubian Flapshell Turtle (Cyclanorbis elegans). However, the presence of this latter species has never been confirmed so far in the study area, but it is plausible based on historical records from the Volta region in Ghana and the northern Mono river in Togo. In fact, this area was once inhabited by this species, but we are unsure what populations, if any, remain today, and previous studies in the area were unsuccessful. This study will illuminate the present populations of these highly endangered species, as well as the other turtles that live amongst them.

Turtle Survival Alliance has supported Luca Luiselli, the leading scientist of the Nubian Flapshell Turtle, in east Africa for years. He will lend his expertise and aid in the project’s success. With enough data, we can guide major conservation efforts for the species living at this critical boundary of Burkina Faso and Togo.

The Nubian Flapshell Turtle is highlighted in the latest Turtles in Trouble report, published in July of this year. This report outlines the top 66 most endangered turtle species on the planet. This species is one of 43 from the report that Turtle Survival Alliance is actively working to understand its true remaining distribution and protect it from the numerous threats it faces. Without our conservation efforts, these turtles would surely be extinct. This project is one step towards understanding the turtles in sub-Saharan west Africa, which is one step towards their protection and conservation.

Acknowledgments: Fonseca Species Conservation Fund, Global Environment Facility (GEF), Re:Wild

Header image: A Senegal Flapshell Turtle (Cyclanorbis senegalensis). Photo by Pearson McGovern

The post New Project Announcement: Preserving Biodiversity in Burkina Faso and Togo appeared first on Turtle Survival Alliance.

• Lauren Augustine, Philadelphia Zoo
• Valerie Corado Garcia, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala
• Diana Velásquez, Unidad para el Conocimiento, Uso y Valoración de la Biodiversidad, University of San Carlos of Guatemala
• Chris Bednarski, Gladys Porter Zoo

This multi-institutional team has delved into the population ecology, health, and distributions of Kinosternids found in Guatemala. By conducting surveys, collecting health samples, and performing genetic testing, we are using data driven methods to guide our conservation strategy for these understudied turtle species. Furthermore, the genetic samples collected are aiding in what we know about the species presence and distribution in Guatemala.

Progress for this program is well underway. At the 23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles, these researchers presented “Investigations into the Range and Population Dynamics of Five Species of Kinosternids in Guatemala” during our sessions. The surveys conducted so far have already begun to reveal key data that will contribute to conservation strategies for the turtles in this region. The team has sampled 441 turtles representing ten species and collected 320 blood samples for genetic evaluation by Turtle Survival Alliance Director of Conservation Genetics, Natalia Gallego-García. Another key component to this work is to assess the threats to wild populations, including habitat degradation and disease prevalence. Thanks to a collaboration with the Epidemiology Lab at the University of Illinois, swabs for infectious diseases are being analyzed to reveal important information about the health of wild populations. This, in combination with important ecosystem data can help researchers identify and mitigate threats.

Next month, the research team returns to Guatemala for further sampling. Supporting researchers in the field is a key component to the science-based conservation work that Turtle Survival Alliance champions to fulfill our mission. Stay tuned for an update on the work in Guatemala after the next survey. Like turtles, this work is slow and steady, but necessary and critical to keeping species thriving in the wild.

The post Supporting Critical Genetic Conservation Work for Central American Turtles: Guatemala appeared first on Turtle Survival Alliance.

It’s hard to believe that more than two months have passed since the third tropical cyclone, Honde, inundated our Lavavolo Tortoise Center in southwestern Madagascar. Situated just ¾ of a mile (1.2 km) inland, the Center has been—this year in extraordinary fashion—at the mercy of weather patterns driven by the Indian Ocean. After all, Madagascar is an island nation, vulnerable to the whims of powerful storms that brew offshore. 

Prior to Cyclone Honde, two earlier storms—Cyclone Dikeledi on January 16 and Cyclone Elvis on January 28—also struck and engulfed the Center. The rapid succession of these powerful storms is highly uncommon and has not been witnessed since the Center was established. For a region already vulnerable to environmental extremes, this year’s events stand out as both a warning and a call to action.

And yet, in the aftermath of this year’s catastrophic cyclones, the Lavavolo Tortoise Center (LTC) has once again become a symbol of resilience and unity—much as it did seven years ago this month, when it rose from the ground in response to two major confiscations totaling more than 17,000 tortoises. What began as a devastating blow to our infrastructure, the thousands of Radiated (Astrochelys radiata) and Spider (Pyxis arachnoides) tortoises in our care, and the well-being of our staff and surrounding community, has sparked an outpouring of local and international support, as communities and partners have come together to rebuild—rock by rock, tortoise by tortoise.

Local communities have been working hand-in-hand with Turtle Survival Alliance, not only providing essential materials like wood and palm fronds for shading structures but also physically helping to clear rocks from enclosures and make space for the tortoises. Their efforts have been critical, from rebuilding the fences washed away by the floods to clearing the well, ensuring clean water is available to both tortoises and people. Slowly, we are restoring electricity, bringing in satellite internet to improve communication, putting up new pen dividers, and building necessary infrastructure like storage rooms, staff housing, and a temporary office.

In light of recent flood events, the Turtle Survival Alliance is actively enhancing the Lavavolo Tortoise Center by extending its presence to higher ground and implementing measures to elevate buildings and infrastructure. The Commune of Itampolo, alongside neighboring communities, has endorsed the reconstruction initiative, which includes the construction of elevated structures to safeguard against future flooding events. The completion of the official ceremony in March marks a significant milestone in these efforts.

While reconstruction is underway, our team is taking every step to minimize stress to the tortoises. Enclosures, once cluttered with flood-borne rocks, are being cleared or backfilled as needed. Sand is being added to select pens to accommodate the Spider Tortoises as they prepare to burrow in for the winter. Large shade nets are now in place to provide temporary cover until more permanent structures are built. Throughout this process, our priority remains the health and well-being of the tortoises. Veterinary teams are conducting continuous health assessments, providing targeted treatments, and closely monitoring each individual. Animals affected by flood-related injuries, illness, or stress are receiving individualized care, including controlled feeding and hydration to stabilize their condition.

At the same time, we’re ensuring that our staff and their families are not left behind in this recovery. Their homes were hit just as hard, and their needs—from food and shelter to medical support—are being prioritized. Their strength and stability are vital for the continued recovery of the center, and we’re doing everything we can to support them, just as they are supporting the tortoises.

On March 31st, with the help of local authorities and community members, we conducted an official post-flood count. Each animal was assessed and treated accordingly. As part of our ongoing recovery plan, large juveniles are being readied for transfer to the Tortoise Conservation Center (TCC), our center of operations in the south, where they will begin the next steps toward reintroduction to the wild. With the dry winter months approaching—when temperatures average about 10° F (5° C) cooler than in summer—the tortoises are being fed more than usual to help them regain weight and strengthen their immune systems after two incredibly stressful months.

The numbers speak to both the scale of the disaster and the resilience of our response. Our initial post-cyclone count on January 15th recorded more than 13,000 tortoises alive, including nearly 12,000 Radiated Tortoises and over 500 Spider Tortoises. Since then, more than 1,000 tortoises have died as a direct result of the cyclone, with additional losses during the post-flood evaluation period. As of April 4th, the final count stands at over 11,500 tortoises—meaning more than 1,500 have been lost or are unaccounted for.

Our veterinary partners from the University of Antananarivo’s Department of Veterinary Sciences and Medicine have been instrumental throughout, deploying to LTC from January through April. Their dedication has been unwavering, offering not only their expertise but the continuity of care so critical in a crisis like this. They’ve helped ensure the tortoises are healthy and strong enough to withstand eventual relocation—although, for now, the roads remain too rough for safe transport.

In tandem with hands-on care, international veterinarians are helping build the future of tortoise conservation in Madagascar. In recent weeks, lectures were held at our office for 28 veterinary students from the University of Antananarivo, led by Dr. Sean Perry from the Mississippi Aquarium and Dr. Bonnie Raphael from Turtle Survival Alliance’s Chelonian Health team. These sessions covered everything from basic biosecurity and anatomy to emergency triage and advanced diagnostic techniques like hematology, histopathology, and biochemistry. For many of the students, this was their first exposure to techniques not yet available in Madagascar—an invaluable step forward for local capacity building.

Though the road ahead remains long and uneven—both literally and figuratively—the commitment to recovery is unwavering. No tortoise is being left behind—and neither is any member of our team. What began as a disaster has become a powerful reminder of the strength found in community, compassion, and the shared belief that every tortoise counts. This message is echoed in the incredible outpouring of international support we’ve received in response to this crisis.

Turtle Survival Alliance thanks the Ministère de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable (Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development), Gendarmerie Nationale (National Gendarmes), mayors of the communes of Itampolo, Marovato, and Nikoly, the community members of Itampolo and Lavavolo, and Turtle Survival Alliance partners and donors.

Header image: Radiated Tortoises at the Tortoise Conservation Center in Madagascar. Photo by Andry Fandresena

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Turtle Survival Alliance is incredibly thankful to all those individuals and organizations who supported us during this crisis with gifts of $1,000 USD or more. Listed in alphabetical order, they are:

• Aktionsgemeinschaft Artenschutz (AGA) e.V.
• Dr. Allison Alberts
• Animal Survival International
• Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum
• Australasian Society of Zoo Keeping
• AZA Chelonian Taxon Advisory Group
• Brevard Zoo
• British Chelonia Group
• Bruce Weissgold
• Carol Wilen
• Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)
• Douglas Trainor
• Ed Neil
• Erin and Matt Patterson
• Gary Larson
• Haus des Meeres Aqua Terra Zoo
• Houston Zoo, Inc.
• Howells Family Fund
• International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
• Jeff Mace
• John Ball Zoo
• Joshua Dale and Ilana Miller
• Justin Congdon and Nancy Dickson
• Linda Stein
• Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo
• Magnetic Hill Zoo
• Maryland Zoo
• Merck Animal Health
• North Carolina Zoological Society
• Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden
• Parken Zoo
• Phoenix Zoo (Arizona Center for Nature Conservation)
• Pilsen Zoo
• Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
• Stahl Exotic Animal Veterinary Services
• Sy Montgomery and Howard Mansfield
• The Daniel & Nicole Voss Charitable Fund
• Turtle Back Zoo (Zoological Society of New Jersey)
• Virginia Zoo in Norfolk
• William and Jeanne Dennler
• Zoo Atlanta
• Zoo Knoxville
• Zoofari Parks, LLC

The post Rebuilding Hope in Madagascar: Tortoises, Communities, and the Road to Recovery appeared first on Turtle Survival Alliance.

Guttural whoops from howler monkeys echo through the trees. Three-toed sloths tuck themselves obscurely into the forest canopy. Songbirds sing in cacophonies that mingle with the sounds of waterfalls. Jaguars stealthily creep along the jungle floor. Olive Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) come ashore to nest during arribadas. These are all common sights and sounds that come to mind when one thinks of Costa Rica. But there are quieter, less prominent—yet equally important—animals too, such as the country’s eight species of freshwater turtles.

The non-marine turtles of Central America—including those in Costa Rica—have been largely overlooked, with few studies conducted on their ecology and population status. Over the past two weeks, a team from the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) initiated a multi-year study focused on the freshwater turtles of this small but globally recognized ecotourism destination.

This first expedition to unveil the mysteries of Costa Rica’s freshwater turtles focused on the Pacific Southwest region. Joining the team were Andrew Walde and Natalia Gallego-García from TSA; Eric Munscher and Arron Tuggle from SWCA Environmental Consultants–Houston; Jonathan Bolton from Brown and Gay Associates; Madeleine Morrison from the New England Aquarium; and our local hosts, César Barrio-Amorós and Christian Porras Ramirez from CRWild.

The goal of the trip was to identify locations to trap turtles and collect genetic samples, helping to better understand the speciation of freshwater turtles in Costa Rica. This work is part of a larger effort to study freshwater turtles across Central America. Many of the species found in Costa Rica are in need of further investigation. To that end, our objectives are to corroborate their distribution, assess abundance and threats, clarify taxonomic uncertainties, and deepen our understanding of their biology. 

This first trip was a success, resulting in the capture of 101 turtles representing all four of the species that inhabit the Pacific Southwest region: the South American Snapping Turtle (Chelydra acutirostris), White-throated Mud Turtle (Kinosternon albogulare), White-lipped Mud Turtle (Kinosternon leucostomum), and Panamanian Slider (Trachemys grayi panamensis).

In Costa Rica, there’s a saying: Pura Vida—or “Pure Life.” We think there’s no better way to describe conservation. Future phases of the study will expand to other regions of Costa Rica, including the Caribbean lowlands and central highlands, to compare population structure and diversity across habitats.

“Over the past three years, the TSA has been outlining research priorities in Central America and applying for permits. With projects now underway in southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and El Salvador, it was time to tackle Costa Rica. Costa Rica is unique in that it has biological influences from both the north (North America) and the south (South America), combined with multiple distinct habitat types. This first trip was exploratory in nature, and we had a great team ready to meet the field challenges—expertly assisted by our local hosts at CRWild.” –Andrew Walde, Senior Director of Conservation & Science

Stay tuned for more updates from the field. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the team for their dedication, and to our supporters for making this important research possible.

The Turtle Survival Alliance is especially grateful to SWCA Environmental Consultants and an anonymous donor for their continued support—both through financial contributions and by enabling their employees to lend their expertise to this critical work. We also extend our sincere thanks to our local hosts, CRWild, for managing logistics, securing site access, and serving as outstanding field partners!

Header image: South American Snapping Turtle (Chelydra acutirostris). All Photos by Cristian Porras Ramirez.

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Twice a year, the team at BFREE conducts a health assessment at the HCRC. We asked Heather Barrett, Deputy Director of BFREE, and Turtle Survival Alliance Board Member, a few questions to better understand this process and how it contributes to the overall conservation of this species.

Can you describe what the health assessment entails and why it is required?

To conduct a comprehensive exam of the overall health and reproductive status of the captive population of Central American River Turtles at the HCRC, a health assessment is conducted bi-annually (late February or early March and mid-September). The assessment consists of implementing thorough physical examinations under the guidance of experienced veterinarians. Activities include looking for signs of stress, aggression, or poor health, nutrient deficiencies, and infectious and parasitic diseases, as well as conducting ultrasounds to determine reproductive status and to look for the presence of eggs and follicles.

Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE) staff members, with the support of volunteers, perform health assessments at the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center (HCRC). Photos courtesy of Heather Barrett

Who is involved in the health assessment?

Each health assessment involves BFREE staff, at least one veterinarian, and an assortment of volunteers who might be biologists, students, zookeepers, or simply turtle enthusiasts. This year we had a big team that represented all those categories. We had the BFREE team: Thomas Pop, Manager of the HCRC; Jacob Marlin, Executive Director of BFREE; BFREE Science and Education Fellows Andrew Choco, Samih Young, and Heston Castillo; Rob Klinger, Director of Conservation and Science; and myself.

We were joined by Dr. Isabelle Paquet-Durand, DVM, and Aisha, both of the Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic (BWRC); Leomar Longsworth, Marie Young, Dasha Garbutt, Clive Erskine, Michelle Molina, and Octavino Chiac of Independence Junior College; Geneva Gomez and Ashira Rancharan of the University of Belize; Kat Raymond of the Birmingham Zoo; and the Huclr/Lucky family: Jiri, Andrea, Sabina, and Toby.

How long have you been performing these assessments?

Health assessments began in September 2014—six months after the HCRC opened. We have implemented them twice annually since that time (with a few exceptions in the early years). It’s hard to believe but this was our 19th Hicatee health assessment!

What kind of information do we learn through them?

We learn a lot from the assessments. We primarily focus on whether a turtle is healthy and growing or experiencing growth challenges, and we also check its reproductive status. Our goal is to ensure that the turtles are in the best possible health while in captivity and are ready to be released into the wild if the opportunity arises.

We may also ask specific questions that we hope to answer within a single assessment or a series of assessments, such as, “At what age do juvenile turtles begin to display sexual dimorphism?”

Our health assessments also benefit the humans who participate by creating opportunities for students, scientists, zookeepers, and veterinarians to expand their skills to the field and allowing them to work with a rare and unique species—one which most people never have access to.

This health assessment was unique because most of the volunteers were local students from Independence Junior College and University of Belize. We were excited to offer this opportunity to passionate, motivated college students who wanted to gain some hands-on experience with this species.

What have we learned this year?

Through ultrasounds implemented by Dr. Isabelle and her assistant, Aisha, we were able to determine that some of the females were still holding shelled eggs that had not been deposited into nests. So, we anticipate more clutches being laid. We also reduced the population density in the ponds when we released nearly 500 captive-hatched turtles last year, and we were interested to see the impacts that more space and improved water quality had on the resident turtles’ health. We were happy to note that the turtles’ overall health was excellent. Shells were hard, eyes were bright, tongues were pink, and turtles continued growing. We were definitely pleased with the results.

In 2024, BFREE released 476 turtles into the wild. Since 2020, they have successfully reintroduced 1,002 head-start Central American River Turtles, all of which were produced and reared at the HCRC. The tireless efforts of the BFREE staff and supporting volunteers facilitating the health assessments have resulted in these rewilding efforts, ultimately growing the population of this turtle in need.

Header image: BFREE Science and Education Fellow Andrew Choco measures a Central American River Turtle during the health assessment. Photo courtesy of Heather Barrett

The post Healthy Turtles are Happy Turtles: Our Biannual Health Assessment with BFREE appeared first on Turtle Survival Alliance.

By A.J. Fetterman, Chelonian Keeper II and Engagement Coordinator

It has been a very exciting winter so far here at the Turtle Survival Center (TSC). This past November, I headed to Mesa, Arizona, with my fellow Chelonian Keepers, Rachael and Nita, to attend the Conference on Captive Care and Breeding of Turtles and Tortoises hosted by the Turtle & Tortoise Preservation Group. We were fortunate enough to be asked to give presentations about some of the things that we do at the Center and some of the experiences that we have had in our time working in chelonian husbandry. I gave a presentation about how some of our turtle housing spaces are designed to make them as functional and time-effective as possible. One example of this is plumbing all of our enclosures to have connections directly to a water source as well as a drain for dirty water, making daily maintenance much quicker. Clean, fresh water is a must for the turtles in our care, and this makes achieving that much easier.

AJ Fetterman (left) and Rachael Harff (right), Chelonian Keepers at the Turtle Survival Center (TSC), both gave presentations at the Conference on Captive Care and Breeding of Turtles and Tortoises in November, 2024. Photos by Katie Swartz

The Center strives to be best in class when it comes to chelonian care, so we were happy to share some of our methods with this audience of turtle and tortoise caregivers and enthusiasts. I also learned a lot from the many other experienced presenters who come from zoos and turtle facilities similar to the Center, as well as private collectors of turtles and tortoises. We look forward to attending this conference in the future so that we can continue to collect and share knowledge on chelonian care. Turtle Survival Alliance’s long-term goal to create large assurance colonies throughout the United States cannot be done alone, so these partnerships are important to achieving our vision of zero turtle extinctions.

While attending the conference, the keepers also got to visit the Arizona Tortoise Compound and meet some of their turtles, including this Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea). Photo by Rachael Harff

Later on in the winter, Cross, South Carolina, saw its first snowfall in seven years. Not only did it snow, but it accumulated to around three inches and left us under a white blanket for three days. We house many species of turtle outside, and all except for our Bourret’s Box Turtles (Cuora bourreti) are able to stay outside throughout the winter, even through snowfall. The southeastern United States was chosen to establish our Turtle Survival Center for a few reasons, but primarily because of its similar climate to that of southeastern Asia, where many of our inhabitants come from. This includes the occasional freezing temperatures and snowfall for many of the species, especially the mountain-stream dwelling species from China, like our Pan’s Box Turtles (Cuora pani) and Chinese Big Headed Turtles (Platysternon megacephalum).

Turtles are reptiles, which makes them cold-blooded. This means that they need to absorb heat from their environments, and don’t produce any themselves, like warm blooded mammals and birds. Typically, when temperatures drop, this means that turtles will shut down and brumate, a type of hibernation in reptiles. Throughout the winter months, we don’t need to feed most of the outdoor turtles because their metabolism slows down so much that they have no interest in eating. They will tuck down under a blanket of leaf litter or burrow into the soil and wait for warmer months to return. Before and after the most recent storm, we located each turtle, did a quick health assessment, and tucked them in under a dense pile of leaves. More aquatic species of turtle will be a little more active during the winter, and we even saw some turtles moving during the snowfall, like the Beale’s Eyed Turtle that was found walking around through heavy snow. 

We spotted this Beale’s eyed turtle (Sacalia bealei) trudging through the snow during our evening safety checks at the TSC. This highly aquatic species originates from China, and like in the subtropical climate of the South Carolina Lowcountry, can experience very cold temperatures in its native range, so it fares just fine in the snow. Video by Clinton Doak

It looks like we will have a colder-than-typical winter, but fortunately, a harsh South Carolina winter is still very manageable for the species that we work with. This all makes the impending spring exciting, and we are excited for the brumating turtles to emerge and become active, even if that means a lot more work for us keepers. But more on that next time!

-A.J.

Header image: From left: Rachael Harff, Nita Yawn, and A.J. Fetterman, Chelonian Keepers at the TSC, in Mesa, Arizona, for the Conference on Captive Care and Breeding of Turtles and Tortoises. Photo by Katie Swartz

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An Interview by Rachael Harff, Chelonian Keeper II at the Turtle Survival Center, with BFREE Science and Education Fellows Heston Castillo, Andrew Choco, and Samih Young

During my recent trip to Belize, I had the privilege of meeting Heston Castillo, Andrew Choco, and Samih Young, the current Science and Education Fellows at the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE). In honor of Hicatee Awareness Month, and in recognition of the incredible work they’ve done to raise awareness in local communities, we thought it would be fun to share their unique experiences and perspectives on the efforts to protect the critically endangered Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii), or “Hicatee”, as it is known locally. Their insights offer a wonderful glimpse into the passion and dedication driving their important work, while also highlighting the rewards of their efforts and the impact they’re making.

Rachael Harff: How did you first learn about BFREE and get involved with the organization?

Heston Castillo: I first learned about BFREE through a presentation by Jaren Serano, Dermatemys Program Coordinator, at my school. A semester later, I had the opportunity to visit their headquarters, where I was able to get hands-on experience in bird banding, hiking, and learned about various tree species. It was this experience that sparked my interest in BFREE and I wanted to go back, with my interest in trees as one of my main reasons when I first applied.

Andrew Choco: I started hearing about BFREE during my first semester in college. Independence Junior College (IJC) has a strong relationship with BFREE so second-year Natural Resource Management students go for field trips there as a requirement for the course. Hearing other student’s stories sparked my interest. During my 3rd semester, my teacher Mr. Leomar shared a volunteering opportunity for the 2024 Biannual Health Check Assessment with me. I did apply but there was space for just 2 people. Not long after, I was attended a field trip with IJC to the BFREE field station and I got to meet Ms. Heather Barrett, Deputy Director of BFREE, who recognized me from the interview for the volunteer position. The wonderful experience of the place and all the activities we did pushed me to do my required one-month internship there. Upon completing my internship, I was offered the opportunity to work as a summer fellow and later on was offered the two-year work-training position of Wildlife fellow.

Samih Young: I first heard about BFREE through an opportunity to volunteer for the Biannual Health Check Assessment. I applied for the position and was fortunate enough to be selected. During my four days at BFREE, I worked closely with the staff and turtle enthusiasts, gaining hands-on experience and learning a great deal from the team. The experience was incredible, not only because of the amazing people but also due to the rich biodiversity. I had the chance to see some really fascinating wildlife. It was an unforgettable experience that deepened my passion for conservation.

RH: What is your role at BFREE, and what does a typical day look like for you?

HC: My role at BFREE is a bit complex. I am a Cacao fellow, so my role is to assist where needed on the farm and Cacao Discovery Center. However, I also help out with multiple sectors of BFREE: turtles, birds, GPS, data, and just about wherever help is needed. My days are always busy when I’m stationed at BFREE, there is literally something new to learn every day, so a typical day would just be me in the field working and learning at the same time.

AC: Currently, I’m working as a part-time wildlife fellow as I finish my remaining semester in college. I only work at the BFREE base on weekends when staff are in. Upon my graduation In December, I will begin work full-time with BFREE. My focus is primarily on turtles and supporting the work of the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center (HCRC), where data entry and collection play a crucial role. A typical day involves having an open mind, working both remotely and in the field, and contributing to various tasks to ensure the work gets done, allowing me to develop time management and communication skills. Since I work closely with turtles, I often raise awareness about them, and recently, I’ve been doing outreach to schools as part of my efforts to educate young students about turtle conservation.

SY: I am currently working part-time at BFREE while pursuing my bachelor’s degree. My primary role involves assisting with social media, and lately, I’ve been focusing on Hicatee Awareness Month. A typical day is hard to describe since the tasks vary, but recently, I’ve been dedicating a lot of time to giving presentations at different schools and creating educational resources for social media. This variety keeps things exciting and allows me to engage with both the public and the conservation community in meaningful ways.

RH: What sparked your passion for conservation, and with turtles in particular?

HC: It wasn’t until I started college, that my teacher, Ms. Ingrid Rodriguez, showed us how important conservation was and taught us almost everything I know today on how to properly interact with the environment. I was an animal lover from day one, and didn’t get to work with turtles until my first few days at BFREE, but when I did, it just felt natural and great.

AC: My passion for conservation began at a young age, sparked by watching Animal Planet. Those early experiences opened my eyes to the beauty of wildlife and the importance of protecting it. As I grew older, this passion deepened, leading me to pursue studies in Natural Resources Management. Working as a Wildlife Fellow at BFREE gave me a hands-on role in conservation, where I discovered my love for turtles, especially the critically endangered Hicatee Turtle. Seeing how vulnerable these creatures are inspired me to dedicate myself to their protection and to raise awareness about their plight. The Hicatee is more than just a species to save; it represents the delicate balance of ecosystems and the need for ongoing conservation efforts.

SY: My passion for conservation goes back to my childhood, growing up I often visited Turneffe Flats. Although I’m originally from Belize City, where conservation isn’t a major focus, but my frequent visits to the Cayes immersed me in nature, where I was surrounded by marine life and animals I loved. From an early age, I knew I wanted to become a marine biologist to protect the incredible species around me, so future generations could experience the same wonder I felt growing up. When I applied to the University of Belize, I chose to study Natural Resource Management which opened my eyes to the beauty and importance of the terrestrial world, just like my connection to the marine environment. My first hands-on experience with turtles came at BFREE, where I worked with Hicatees. I had never seen one in real life before, but I fell in love with them instantly. Learning about their cultural and ecological significance in Belize deepened my passion for conserving this important species.

RH: Growing up in Belize, where Hicatee are often considered a delicacy and food source, what was your original perception of them, and how has that changed since you first learned about or became involved with BFREE?

HC: As kids, we would eat these turtles in our community as they were seen as a delicacy in my culture. Since I was so young, I had no control over what I ate. When I started high school, I first became aware that certain species on earth are endangered, and eventually stopped eating these turtles as a whole. When BFREE came in and shared their presentation on the hicatee to our school, it was more of an “I told you so” moment for me as I had already been telling my family that eating endangered turtles is bad.

AC: Growing up in Belize, I actually didn’t know much about Hicatees due to the region I lived in, and eating turtles wasn’t part of my family’s practices. I learned about the Hicatee when I became interested in volunteering at BFREE, which sparked my curiosity and led me to research the species. Getting involved with this organization opened my eyes to the Hicatee’s critical role in our ecosystems and its urgent conservation needs. This experience ignited my passion to protect this species and raise awareness about turtles that are often overlooked.

SY: Growing up in Belize, where Hicatee are considered a delicacy and a traditional food source, I didn’t initially view it as an issue. I remember going to the La Ruta Maya, a popular annual event, where different vendors would sell Hicatee, and it was just a normal part of the culture. People bought and ate it without much thought. However, my perspective changed once I became involved with BFREE and learned about the severe impact this demand is having on the Hicatee population. It became clear to me how unsustainable the current rate of consumption is for the species. The goal isn’t to stop people from eating Hicatee altogether but to help them understand the consequences and support sustainable practices. This ties into the importance of citizen science—engaging communities in conservation efforts so they can be part of the solution.

RH: How frequently do you engage with the general public or students about conservation topics or spreading awareness, and what kind of resources does BFREE provide to local communities to support their involvement in conservation efforts?

HC: I usually promote environmental awareness on social media, as that’s where I get more feedback and as well target a large and diverse audience. BFREE also does this but on a much larger scale, for instance, every October for Hicatee Awareness Month, we go into communities and various schools to promote awareness on the Hicatee. We also promote awareness of other conservation work in general, even beyond Hicatee Awareness Month, and are always sure to include local communities and volunteers.

AC: At school, work, home, or in public, many know me as a passionate conservationist. Many stores no longer offer me plastic bags for my groceries. I constantly educate my family and colleagues about environmental issues and reach a broader audience through my social media by sharing conservation updates. BFREE’s Hicatee Awareness Month initiative, along with workshops, volunteer opportunities, and E-newsletters to teachers, effectively engages the community in conservation efforts, benefiting both the community and the organization.

SY: As the president of the UB Environmental Club, I frequently engage with the public and students on conservation topics through presentations at schools, social media, and organizing forums or symposiums at the university. At BFREE, we also engage the public through various outreach efforts, including social media and presentations tailored to different age groups. For younger students, we use resources like the book Herbert the Hicatee and coloring sheets to make learning about conservation fun and accessible. For older students, we provide more in-depth presentations, along with materials such as T-shirts, posters, and stickers to keep them engaged and involved in the conservation efforts. These resources help us ensure that everyone, regardless of age, feels included in the mission to protect Belize’s natural heritage.

RH: When you are spreading awareness to young students in the community, what’s your favorite way to engage them in turtle conservation?

HC: When it comes to really young students, I try my best to make very engaging presentations, giving more than enough room for kids to interact while at the same time learning something new.

AC: My experiences with young students have been fascinating! Rather than just talking to them about turtles, I prefer to make the learning experience interactive and fun. I often read a story related to turtles or conservation, which captures their attention and imagination. Another favorite approach is organizing a mini coloring competition among their classmates. This not only taps into their creativity but also helps them develop listening and competitive skills. By engaging them through activities they enjoy, they are more likely to connect with the message. It allows them to understand the importance of turtles in their environment and how they can contribute to protecting them in a meaningful way. At the end of the presentations, a lot of them would ask if I would be coming back soon, and that gives me a positive feeling!

SY: One of my favorite ways to engage young students in turtle conservation is by making the experience interactive and relatable, as I did recently during a presentation to a Standard One class in Orange Walk. The students, aged seven to nine, were incredibly receptive and eager to learn. I tailored the presentation to their level, making sure they could easily understand the key points about turtle conservation. What made it special was how enthusiastic they were to share their own stories and experiences with turtles, which made the session feel more like a conversation than a lecture. At the end, we took pictures and videos, and it was amazing to see how thrilled they were with the new knowledge they had gained. It was truly rewarding to witness their openness and curiosity about conservation efforts in Belize.

1. RH: What is one of your hopes for your future in conservation?

HC: I would want to grow my knowledge enough about the environment and different aspects of nature itself, because I like educating people about these things. Not necessarily as a professor or a teacher, but I want to keep doing what I’ve been doing out here, exploring, learning about animals and plants, and just keep being in nature; and I would want everyone to see it too, so maybe I’d become an environmental influencer or something around that end. Wherever my path takes me, I want and plan to put my efforts towards conservation.

AC: My greatest hope for the future of my work in conservation is to build a strong reputation among nature enthusiasts and experts. I continuously set new aspirations and actively engage with organizations dedicated to protecting Belize’s rich biodiversity. Through this involvement, I aim to gain valuable knowledge, hands-on experience, and a focused mindset, fully aware that the journey ahead won’t be easy. Our world faces many challenges, but I believe if one person can inspire hundreds, then millions can rally to protect Mother Nature. I strive to be that person, always putting God first in everything I do.

SY: One of my hopes for the future of my career in conservation is to be as active as possible in safeguarding the rich biodiversity of Belize. While I’m unsure where my journey will take me, I am committed to working in conservation, as I believe in the importance of protecting our country’s incredible natural resources. Belize is a beautiful place filled with unique ecosystems that need our protection. I recognize that one person alone cannot make a significant impact, but by collaborating with other conservationists and like-minded individuals, I believe we can drive meaningful change in Belize. That is my ultimate hope for the future.

RH: What does it mean to you to be a Hicatee Hero?

HC: I think being a hicatee hero has to come from within. To me being a Hicatee Hero means fulfilling a sense of duty, not only for these turtles but for the sake of our future as well. There is more than meets the eye when you place a turtle back in the water; it’s the feeling you get knowing that you CAN do something for that turtle, the feeling that you not only give that turtle a second chance at life but also hope for their future. I think hope is the best way to describe what it means to be a hicatee hero.

AC: Being a Hicatee Hero means playing an active role in the protection and survival of an endangered species that is vital to Belize’s ecosystems. It’s about raising awareness, educating others, and inspiring change in how we treat the environment. For me, it’s a responsibility to help ensure that future generations will still have the chance to know the Hicatee turtle and its importance. It’s both an honor and a commitment to work towards preserving a species that often goes unnoticed but plays a critical role in our natural world.

SY: Being a Hicatee Hero means recognizing the challenges that this species faces and actively committing to spreading awareness and contributing in any way possible to ensure its survival. It embodies a sense of ownership among community members and emphasizes the importance of citizen science in Belize. As a Hicatee Hero, you become part of a collective effort to protect this vital species, fostering a deeper connection to our natural heritage and inspiring others to join in the conservation movement.

The post An Interview with Hicatee Heroes: The BFREE Science & Education Fellows of 2024 appeared first on Turtle Survival Alliance.

By A.J. Fetterman, Chelonian Keeper II, Turtle Survival Center

Summer has come and gone in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, which means it’s time for another update from the Turtle Survival Center (TSC) and a check in with me, A.J. Since my last update, we talked about a lot of the eggs that we had been finding, and since then, we have hatched many of those eggs, started preparing the animals for brumation (the dormant period in colder weather for reptiles), and hosted zoo professionals from around the world in our second annual Chelonian Biology, Conservation, and Management Course.

Informally called “Turtle School”, our inaugural course was held last year, and this is now our second year running this course. We welcomed 10 zookeepers responsible for caring for a variety of species to attend a full week of turtle-specific lessons, ranging from how to properly set up an enclosure to how to identify illnesses and everything in between. Our goal is to teach our standards of care to professionals from various facilities, and in doing so increase the overall welfare of turtles and tortoises in captivity. Along with this, we also took advantage of the property that the TSC sits on and did some mark and recapture surveys of some of our native turtle species.

Turtle Survival Alliance and our partners have two facilities in Madagascar, where over 26,000 Radiated Tortoises are housed in preparation for release. We were fortunate enough to be able to host the lead keepers at both of these facilities for Turtle School, K’oloina and Carrela. As you can imagine, caring for that number of animals is an incredibly difficult and tedious task, so we were happy to share some of our experiences and knowledge as well as soak up information from them.

K’oloina (left) and Carrela (right) hold wild Yellow Belly Slider (Trachemys scripta) near the property of the Turtle Survival Center (TSC). Photo by Ashley Brooks.

Since August, we are also in the midst of our heavy hatching season and many turtle species are emerging from their eggs. So far in 2024, we have hatched over 75 turtles from 13 different species. A large milestone for us this year was hatching our 100th Indochinese Box Turtle (Cuora galbinifrons) as well as totaling over 1000 hatchling turtles since the Center was founded.

The 100th Indochinese Box Turtle (Cuora galbinifrons) hatched at the TSC in September 2024. Photo by Chelsea Rinn.

Another notable pair of hatchlings for us this year were the first twins that the center has produced. Way back on March 27th of this year, we found a very elongated, figure 8-shaped egg in the enclosure of a female Sulawesi Forest Turtle (Leucocephalon yuwonoi), and to our surprise, it started developing two distinct embryos on the two poles of the egg. Over the course of several months, it continued developing and eventually, the egg pipped (The first cracking of the turtle breaking free from its egg) and there were two, similar-sized healthy hatchling Sulawesi Forest turtles ready for life outside the egg.

Check out our webinar where A.J. introduced all the hatchlings at the TSC!

A rare phenomenon, these “twin” hatchling Sulawesi Forest Turtles (Leucocephalon yuwonoi) developed two distinct embryos on the two poles of one egg. Two health hatchlings emerged after incubation. Photo by Cris Hagen.

The Sulawesi Forest turtle is a really interesting species native to the island of Sulawesi, a part of the archipelago of Indonesia. It is endemic to just the northern part of the island, making the species vulnerable to being exploited for the food and pet trade. They display a high level of dimorphism between males and females, with the males getting much larger and having a proportionally larger, white head. The Turtle Survival Center is home to 41 adults and many of their offspring, and we have sent several of these offspring to our partner Zoos and Aquariums to keep this species thriving in captivity.

A male Sulawesi Forest Turtle (top), and a female Sulawesi Forest Turtle (bottom). This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, meaning the turtles have different features based on their sex. The males are larger, with light yellowish skin, and the females have dark brown coloration. Photos by Jordan Gray (top) and Chelsea Rinn (bottom).

As you can imagine, the work doesn’t let up here at the Turtle Survival Center, even as the weather starts to. Soon we will be making sure every turtle that is outside is ready for brumation, but around half of the collection lives indoors and will still be fed and active during the winter months.

Look out for another blog soon, and we can learn a little bit more about turtles and some of the awesome species that call the Turtle Survival Center home!

-A.J.

The post Tails from the Turtle Survival Center: Volume 2 appeared first on Turtle Survival Alliance.