Captive breeding and ex-situ conservation is a key component of theTurtleRoom’s conservation strategy. Many species are shrinking in wild numbers so quickly, that captive assurance colonies are necessary to protect against extinction. In fact, almost a dozen (12) species are now considered extinct in the wild and exist only in captivity!
So yes, theTurtleRoom currently owns more than 100 turtles and tortoises. Additionally, our volunteer staff own personal animals that are accessible to the organization for conservation, many of which are considered theTurtleRoom animals because of their purpose. TheTurtleRoom also has animals on loan to AND from other institutions, such as the Turtle Survival Alliance. This total collection accessible to theTurtleRoom for conservation action includes hundreds of specimens representing dozens of species. It is our long-term goal to maximize the conservation potential of the animals that we hold through well-planned breeding programs and eventually to begin returning offspring to their home countries, if and when such a goal is attainable.