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Today, we’re honoring the life of Ted Turner (1938–2026)

A media pioneer, conservationist, philanthropist, and true American original, Ted changed the world in more ways than one. From founding CNN and transforming modern television, to winning the America’s Cup and protecting millions of acres of wild land, his impact stretched far beyond any single industry.

In 2015, the Turtle Conservancy visited Ted at his property in northern Florida to interview him about conservation, endangered species, and the future of our planet. At the end of the shoot, Ted agreed to pose with a native Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), an image that would later become the cover of The Tortoise magazine in 2016.

“Save Everything” was his motto. And he lived it.

From supporting the recovery of American bison, black footed ferrets, gray wolves, and Bolson tortoises, to protecting nearly two million acres of habitat across the United States, Ted helped redefine what conservation at scale could look like.

The Turtle Conservancy has been honored to work alongside the Turner Endangered Species Fund for more than a decade, including efforts supporting the rewilding of the Bolson Tortoise (Gopherus flavomarginatus) in New Mexico.

Rest in peace to a visionary whose legacy will continue to shape conservation for generations to come.

Today, we’re honoring the life of Ted Turner (1938–2026)

A media pioneer, conservationist, philanthropist, and true American original, Ted changed the world in more ways than one. From founding CNN and transforming modern television, to winning the America’s Cup and protecting millions of acres of wild land, his impact stretched far beyond any single industry.

In 2015, the Turtle Conservancy visited Ted at his property in northern Florida to interview him about conservation, endangered species, and the future of our planet. At the end of the shoot, Ted agreed to pose with a native Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), an image that would later become the cover of The Tortoise magazine in 2016.

“Save Everything” was his motto. And he lived it.

From supporting the recovery of American bison, black footed ferrets, gray wolves, and Bolson tortoises, to protecting nearly two million acres of habitat across the United States, Ted helped redefine what conservation at scale could look like.

The Turtle Conservancy has been honored to work alongside the Turner Endangered Species Fund for more than a decade, including efforts supporting the rewilding of the Bolson Tortoise (Gopherus flavomarginatus) in New Mexico.

Rest in peace to a visionary whose legacy will continue to shape conservation for generations to come.

Today, we’re honoring the life of Ted Turner (1938–2026)

A media pioneer, conservationist, philanthropist, and true American original, Ted changed the world in more ways than one. From founding CNN and transforming modern television, to winning the America’s Cup and protecting millions of acres of wild land, his impact stretched far beyond any single industry.

In 2015, the Turtle Conservancy visited Ted at his property in northern Florida to interview him about conservation, endangered species, and the future of our planet. At the end of the shoot, Ted agreed to pose with a native Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), an image that would later become the cover of The Tortoise magazine in 2016.

“Save Everything” was his motto. And he lived it.

From supporting the recovery of American bison, black footed ferrets, gray wolves, and Bolson tortoises, to protecting nearly two million acres of habitat across the United States, Ted helped redefine what conservation at scale could look like.

The Turtle Conservancy has been honored to work alongside the Turner Endangered Species Fund for more than a decade, including efforts supporting the rewilding of the Bolson Tortoise (Gopherus flavomarginatus) in New Mexico.

Rest in peace to a visionary whose legacy will continue to shape conservation for generations to come.

Just a flying pancake with a snorkel nose.

The Cuatro Ciénegas Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera atra) glides effortlessly through the spring fed wetlands of Cuatro Ciénegas, Coahuila, Mexico, at our protected reserve.

Unlike hard shelled turtles, softshells are built for speed. Their flattened bodies, flexible shells, and long necks allow them to move through the water with surprising grace while staying almost completely submerged.

Found only within the Cuatro Ciénegas basin, this critically endangered turtle depends on one of the most unique freshwater ecosystems in North America for survival.

Some recent photos from the field at our Cuatro Ciénegas reserve in the Chihuahuan Desert of Coahuila, Mexico.

This desert oasis is one of the most biologically unique freshwater ecosystems on Earth, home to endangered species found nowhere else, including the Coahuilan Box Turtle (Terrapene coahuila), pictured here. The basin’s spring fed wetlands support an extraordinary concentration of endemic life surrounded by an otherwise arid landscape.

Over the past year, the Turtle Conservancy expanded protection efforts in Cuatro Ciénegas through the acquisition of more than 2,000 acres of critical habitat. These wetlands face increasing pressure from groundwater depletion, agriculture, and development, making long term land protection more urgent than ever.

Every visit to this landscape is a reminder of how fragile and irreplaceable it is.

Some recent photos from the field at our Cuatro Ciénegas reserve in the Chihuahuan Desert of Coahuila, Mexico.

This desert oasis is one of the most biologically unique freshwater ecosystems on Earth, home to endangered species found nowhere else, including the Coahuilan Box Turtle (Terrapene coahuila), pictured here. The basin’s spring fed wetlands support an extraordinary concentration of endemic life surrounded by an otherwise arid landscape.

Over the past year, the Turtle Conservancy expanded protection efforts in Cuatro Ciénegas through the acquisition of more than 2,000 acres of critical habitat. These wetlands face increasing pressure from groundwater depletion, agriculture, and development, making long term land protection more urgent than ever.

Every visit to this landscape is a reminder of how fragile and irreplaceable it is.

Some recent photos from the field at our Cuatro Ciénegas reserve in the Chihuahuan Desert of Coahuila, Mexico.

This desert oasis is one of the most biologically unique freshwater ecosystems on Earth, home to endangered species found nowhere else, including the Coahuilan Box Turtle (Terrapene coahuila), pictured here. The basin’s spring fed wetlands support an extraordinary concentration of endemic life surrounded by an otherwise arid landscape.

Over the past year, the Turtle Conservancy expanded protection efforts in Cuatro Ciénegas through the acquisition of more than 2,000 acres of critical habitat. These wetlands face increasing pressure from groundwater depletion, agriculture, and development, making long term land protection more urgent than ever.

Every visit to this landscape is a reminder of how fragile and irreplaceable it is.

Some recent photos from the field at our Cuatro Ciénegas reserve in the Chihuahuan Desert of Coahuila, Mexico.

This desert oasis is one of the most biologically unique freshwater ecosystems on Earth, home to endangered species found nowhere else, including the Coahuilan Box Turtle (Terrapene coahuila), pictured here. The basin’s spring fed wetlands support an extraordinary concentration of endemic life surrounded by an otherwise arid landscape.

Over the past year, the Turtle Conservancy expanded protection efforts in Cuatro Ciénegas through the acquisition of more than 2,000 acres of critical habitat. These wetlands face increasing pressure from groundwater depletion, agriculture, and development, making long term land protection more urgent than ever.

Every visit to this landscape is a reminder of how fragile and irreplaceable it is.

🚨 New baby alert!

Meet one of our newest Burmese Star Tortoises (Geochelone platynota) ⭐️ Native to the dry forests of Myanmar, this critically endangered species is one of the rarest tortoises in the world.

Working with captive assurance colonies to breed & rear species like this is an important part of the conservation work we do at the Turtle Conservancy.

Our conservation breeding program includes over 35 species of turtles and tortoises, some of which are on the “Top 40 Most Endangered” list according to the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group.

Every hatchling matters. 🐢

🚨 New baby alert!

Meet one of our newest Burmese Star Tortoises (Geochelone platynota) ⭐️ Native to the dry forests of Myanmar, this critically endangered species is one of the rarest tortoises in the world.

Working with captive assurance colonies to breed & rear species like this is an important part of the conservation work we do at the Turtle Conservancy.

Our conservation breeding program includes over 35 species of turtles and tortoises, some of which are on the “Top 40 Most Endangered” list according to the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group.

Every hatchling matters. 🐢

🚨 New baby alert!

Meet one of our newest Burmese Star Tortoises (Geochelone platynota) ⭐️ Native to the dry forests of Myanmar, this critically endangered species is one of the rarest tortoises in the world.

Working with captive assurance colonies to breed & rear species like this is an important part of the conservation work we do at the Turtle Conservancy.

Our conservation breeding program includes over 35 species of turtles and tortoises, some of which are on the “Top 40 Most Endangered” list according to the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group.

Every hatchling matters. 🐢

🚨 New baby alert!

Meet one of our newest Burmese Star Tortoises (Geochelone platynota) ⭐️ Native to the dry forests of Myanmar, this critically endangered species is one of the rarest tortoises in the world.

Working with captive assurance colonies to breed & rear species like this is an important part of the conservation work we do at the Turtle Conservancy.

Our conservation breeding program includes over 35 species of turtles and tortoises, some of which are on the “Top 40 Most Endangered” list according to the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group.

Every hatchling matters. 🐢

The Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) isn’t limited to Egypt.

It occurs along the southeastern Mediterranean coast, historically spanning parts of Egypt, Libya, and the eastern Mediterranean, including Israel and Palestine.

That coastal strip isn’t random. It offers slightly cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and more vegetation than the surrounding desert, conditions this species depends on to survive.

Despite being built for arid environments, Egyptian tortoises are highly sensitive to extreme heat and dehydration, relying on these narrow coastal habitats for shelter and seasonal activity.

Today, that range is fragmented, and populations have declined by roughly 90% over the past several decades.

Habitat loss, development, and collection for the pet trade continue to threaten what remains.

The Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) isn’t limited to Egypt.

It occurs along the southeastern Mediterranean coast, historically spanning parts of Egypt, Libya, and the eastern Mediterranean, including Israel and Palestine.

That coastal strip isn’t random. It offers slightly cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and more vegetation than the surrounding desert, conditions this species depends on to survive.

Despite being built for arid environments, Egyptian tortoises are highly sensitive to extreme heat and dehydration, relying on these narrow coastal habitats for shelter and seasonal activity.

Today, that range is fragmented, and populations have declined by roughly 90% over the past several decades.

Habitat loss, development, and collection for the pet trade continue to threaten what remains.

The Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) isn’t limited to Egypt.

It occurs along the southeastern Mediterranean coast, historically spanning parts of Egypt, Libya, and the eastern Mediterranean, including Israel and Palestine.

That coastal strip isn’t random. It offers slightly cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and more vegetation than the surrounding desert, conditions this species depends on to survive.

Despite being built for arid environments, Egyptian tortoises are highly sensitive to extreme heat and dehydration, relying on these narrow coastal habitats for shelter and seasonal activity.

Today, that range is fragmented, and populations have declined by roughly 90% over the past several decades.

Habitat loss, development, and collection for the pet trade continue to threaten what remains.

The Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) isn’t limited to Egypt.

It occurs along the southeastern Mediterranean coast, historically spanning parts of Egypt, Libya, and the eastern Mediterranean, including Israel and Palestine.

That coastal strip isn’t random. It offers slightly cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and more vegetation than the surrounding desert, conditions this species depends on to survive.

Despite being built for arid environments, Egyptian tortoises are highly sensitive to extreme heat and dehydration, relying on these narrow coastal habitats for shelter and seasonal activity.

Today, that range is fragmented, and populations have declined by roughly 90% over the past several decades.

Habitat loss, development, and collection for the pet trade continue to threaten what remains.

The Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) isn’t limited to Egypt.

It occurs along the southeastern Mediterranean coast, historically spanning parts of Egypt, Libya, and the eastern Mediterranean, including Israel and Palestine.

That coastal strip isn’t random. It offers slightly cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and more vegetation than the surrounding desert, conditions this species depends on to survive.

Despite being built for arid environments, Egyptian tortoises are highly sensitive to extreme heat and dehydration, relying on these narrow coastal habitats for shelter and seasonal activity.

Today, that range is fragmented, and populations have declined by roughly 90% over the past several decades.

Habitat loss, development, and collection for the pet trade continue to threaten what remains.

Did you know that more than half of the world’s turtles and tortoises are threatened with extinction, making them one of the most endangered vertebrate groups on Earth?

From the deserts of the American Southwest to the wetlands of Cuatro Ciénegas, the fynbos of South Africa, and conservation programs throughout Asia, the Turtle Conservancy works globally to protect critical habitat, support field research, and safeguard some of the rarest species on Earth.

Answer the call this Earth Day and every day 📞

Donate at the link in our bio

Christian working with a Sulawesi forest turtle (Leucocephalon yuwonoi).

Endemic to Indonesia, this elusive species depends on cool, forested stream systems and intact surrounding habitat. Much of its natural history remains unknown, and like many freshwater turtles, it is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection.

Christian working with a Sulawesi forest turtle (Leucocephalon yuwonoi).

Endemic to Indonesia, this elusive species depends on cool, forested stream systems and intact surrounding habitat. Much of its natural history remains unknown, and like many freshwater turtles, it is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection.

Christian working with a Sulawesi forest turtle (Leucocephalon yuwonoi).

Endemic to Indonesia, this elusive species depends on cool, forested stream systems and intact surrounding habitat. Much of its natural history remains unknown, and like many freshwater turtles, it is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection.

Christian working with a Sulawesi forest turtle (Leucocephalon yuwonoi).

Endemic to Indonesia, this elusive species depends on cool, forested stream systems and intact surrounding habitat. Much of its natural history remains unknown, and like many freshwater turtles, it is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection.

Christian working with a Sulawesi forest turtle (Leucocephalon yuwonoi).

Endemic to Indonesia, this elusive species depends on cool, forested stream systems and intact surrounding habitat. Much of its natural history remains unknown, and like many freshwater turtles, it is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection.

Christian working with a Sulawesi forest turtle (Leucocephalon yuwonoi).

Endemic to Indonesia, this elusive species depends on cool, forested stream systems and intact surrounding habitat. Much of its natural history remains unknown, and like many freshwater turtles, it is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection.

The Red-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius) is often called a “gardener of the forest,” dispersing seeds as it moves through dense understory and helping regenerate the ecosystems it depends on.

At the Turtle Conservancy, our work extends beyond care. In partnership with local organizations like Fundación Rewilding Argentina, we’re supporting efforts to reestablish self-sustaining populations of this species in places where they’ve disappeared, including Argentina’s El Impenetrable National Park.

This includes monitoring released tortoises, restoring habitat, and ensuring these animals can once again play their role in shaping healthy, functioning forests.

Learn more about how we’re working to protect this species in the wild at the link in our bio.

The Red-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius) is often called a “gardener of the forest,” dispersing seeds as it moves through dense understory and helping regenerate the ecosystems it depends on.

At the Turtle Conservancy, our work extends beyond care. In partnership with local organizations like Fundación Rewilding Argentina, we’re supporting efforts to reestablish self-sustaining populations of this species in places where they’ve disappeared, including Argentina’s El Impenetrable National Park.

This includes monitoring released tortoises, restoring habitat, and ensuring these animals can once again play their role in shaping healthy, functioning forests.

Learn more about how we’re working to protect this species in the wild at the link in our bio.

The Red-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius) is often called a “gardener of the forest,” dispersing seeds as it moves through dense understory and helping regenerate the ecosystems it depends on.

At the Turtle Conservancy, our work extends beyond care. In partnership with local organizations like Fundación Rewilding Argentina, we’re supporting efforts to reestablish self-sustaining populations of this species in places where they’ve disappeared, including Argentina’s El Impenetrable National Park.

This includes monitoring released tortoises, restoring habitat, and ensuring these animals can once again play their role in shaping healthy, functioning forests.

Learn more about how we’re working to protect this species in the wild at the link in our bio.

The Sulawesi forest turtle (Leucocephalon yuwonoi) was only described in 1995, and even now remains one of the most elusive turtles in the world. Endemic to Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island, it lives between cool mountain streams and dense forest, moving between water and land as it forages on invertebrates, vegetation, and fruit.

Females lay just one or two eggs at a time. Recovery is slow.

Decades of illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss have pushed the species to the brink. Thousands were exported in the late 1990s, and despite protections, pressure on wild populations continues.

The individuals in our care were confiscated before entering that trade. After years of work and several unsuccessful seasons, two hatchlings emerged on September 20, 2023, the first Sulawesi forest turtles ever bred at the Turtle Conservancy.

Follow along as we continue our work to better understand and protect this remarkable species.

Parrot-beaked tortoises (Homopus areolatus) are part of a group known as padlopers, or dwarf tortoises, the smallest tortoises in the world.

They’re named for their strong, keratinized beaks, which help them feed on tough, low-growing plants like succulents. In the wild, they move quietly through dense ground cover, where their patterned shells blend almost seamlessly into the landscape.

Native to South Africa, this species faces ongoing threats from habitat destruction, invasive species, and predators like crows.

At our 1,200-acre Geometric Tortoise Preserve, they find refuge within protected fynbos habitat. Here at the Turtle Conservancy, we are also the only organization in the U.S. breeding this remarkable species.

Follow along to learn more about our conservation and breeding programs.

Parrot-beaked tortoises (Homopus areolatus) are part of a group known as padlopers, or dwarf tortoises, the smallest tortoises in the world.

They’re named for their strong, keratinized beaks, which help them feed on tough, low-growing plants like succulents. In the wild, they move quietly through dense ground cover, where their patterned shells blend almost seamlessly into the landscape.

Native to South Africa, this species faces ongoing threats from habitat destruction, invasive species, and predators like crows.

At our 1,200-acre Geometric Tortoise Preserve, they find refuge within protected fynbos habitat. Here at the Turtle Conservancy, we are also the only organization in the U.S. breeding this remarkable species.

Follow along to learn more about our conservation and breeding programs.

Parrot-beaked tortoises (Homopus areolatus) are part of a group known as padlopers, or dwarf tortoises, the smallest tortoises in the world.

They’re named for their strong, keratinized beaks, which help them feed on tough, low-growing plants like succulents. In the wild, they move quietly through dense ground cover, where their patterned shells blend almost seamlessly into the landscape.

Native to South Africa, this species faces ongoing threats from habitat destruction, invasive species, and predators like crows.

At our 1,200-acre Geometric Tortoise Preserve, they find refuge within protected fynbos habitat. Here at the Turtle Conservancy, we are also the only organization in the U.S. breeding this remarkable species.

Follow along to learn more about our conservation and breeding programs.

Parrot-beaked tortoises (Homopus areolatus) are part of a group known as padlopers, or dwarf tortoises, the smallest tortoises in the world.

They’re named for their strong, keratinized beaks, which help them feed on tough, low-growing plants like succulents. In the wild, they move quietly through dense ground cover, where their patterned shells blend almost seamlessly into the landscape.

Native to South Africa, this species faces ongoing threats from habitat destruction, invasive species, and predators like crows.

At our 1,200-acre Geometric Tortoise Preserve, they find refuge within protected fynbos habitat. Here at the Turtle Conservancy, we are also the only organization in the U.S. breeding this remarkable species.

Follow along to learn more about our conservation and breeding programs.

Parrot-beaked tortoises (Homopus areolatus) are part of a group known as padlopers, or dwarf tortoises, the smallest tortoises in the world.

They’re named for their strong, keratinized beaks, which help them feed on tough, low-growing plants like succulents. In the wild, they move quietly through dense ground cover, where their patterned shells blend almost seamlessly into the landscape.

Native to South Africa, this species faces ongoing threats from habitat destruction, invasive species, and predators like crows.

At our 1,200-acre Geometric Tortoise Preserve, they find refuge within protected fynbos habitat. Here at the Turtle Conservancy, we are also the only organization in the U.S. breeding this remarkable species.

Follow along to learn more about our conservation and breeding programs.

Our desert tortoise just got a 30,000 sq ft home 🏜️

What does “home” look like for a desert tortoise?

For a species native to the Mojave Desert, it means warm sun, sandy soil for digging deep burrows, and a landscape shaped by rolling hills, open space, and desert plants like native grasses, wildflowers, and low shrubs to forage on.

Her new habitat spans over 30,000 square feet and even includes a dry creek bed, creating a more dynamic environment to explore, rest, and move through at her own pace.

This space was designed to reflect those natural conditions as closely as possible. Even small details, from plant selection to soil composition, play a big role in supporting the behaviors that define her in the wild.

Our desert tortoise just got a 30,000 sq ft home 🏜️

What does “home” look like for a desert tortoise?

For a species native to the Mojave Desert, it means warm sun, sandy soil for digging deep burrows, and a landscape shaped by rolling hills, open space, and desert plants like native grasses, wildflowers, and low shrubs to forage on.

Her new habitat spans over 30,000 square feet and even includes a dry creek bed, creating a more dynamic environment to explore, rest, and move through at her own pace.

This space was designed to reflect those natural conditions as closely as possible. Even small details, from plant selection to soil composition, play a big role in supporting the behaviors that define her in the wild.

Our desert tortoise just got a 30,000 sq ft home 🏜️

What does “home” look like for a desert tortoise?

For a species native to the Mojave Desert, it means warm sun, sandy soil for digging deep burrows, and a landscape shaped by rolling hills, open space, and desert plants like native grasses, wildflowers, and low shrubs to forage on.

Her new habitat spans over 30,000 square feet and even includes a dry creek bed, creating a more dynamic environment to explore, rest, and move through at her own pace.

This space was designed to reflect those natural conditions as closely as possible. Even small details, from plant selection to soil composition, play a big role in supporting the behaviors that define her in the wild.

Spring has entered the chat ⋆˚✿˖ೃ࿔

Ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora)

Spring has entered the chat ⋆˚✿˖ೃ࿔

Ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora)

Spring has entered the chat ⋆˚✿˖ೃ࿔

Ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora)

Spring has entered the chat ⋆˚✿˖ೃ࿔

Ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora)