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Why join the Tortoise Trust?

There are many tortoise and turtle societies and clubs, but Tortoise Trust is different. We have an enviable record of pioneering original research in this field, and of developing and publishing methods and information that have quite literally changed the way people keep chelonia throughout the world. From the early 1980's onwards, Tortoise Trust has led the way in the field of tortoise and turtle husbandry. Our work on diet and disease prevention, on taxonomy, and on captive breeding technologies have had a tremendous impact - and to this day we continue to actively research even better methods of husbandry. As a Tortoise Trust member, you are contributing to this effort, and you will be among the first to be able to take advantage of it. Here are just a few past examples of how Tortoise Trust has constantly advanced chelonian knowledge:

  • In the 1980's dog food and other high protein foods were routinely advised for herbivorous tortoises. We were the very first organization to thoroughly research this topic, and we published conclusive evidence that it was highly damaging.
  • Hibernation was a hit-or-miss, life or death gamble for tens of thousands of tortoises throughout Europe annually. We published and distributed, free of charge, the world's first comprehensive guide to how to manage hibernation safely. Countless tortoises' lives have been saved as a result, and to date, over 90,000 copies of this publication have been given away free to any owner who asks. Tens of thousands of other caresheets have also been distributed free to keepers throughout the world.
  • Around the same time, it became apparent that many tortoises were dying under mysterious circumstances from what appeared to be an epidemic disease. Again, we were the very first organization bring this to widespread notice, and we were the first to warn of the possibility of viral diseases in tortoises (subsequenty proven true). We were also the very first to warn against mixing different species.
  • The classification of the Mediterranean Testudo group was seriously inadequate. We undertook extensive museum and field research which culminated in exploding the then-accepted '4-subspecies' myth and showed that in reality diversity was far greater than anyone had previously realized. This has had important implications for conservation and captive breeding.
  • The Tortoise Trust was also the first organization to highlight the major problems in illegal collecting and exploitation of tortoises in Morocco and Tunisia.
  • The Tortoise Trust is one of the key partners in efforts to save the highly endangered Egyptian Tortoise, Testudo kleinmanni, in Egypt. We provide funding and technical support to this important program.
  • Our dietary  and husbandry research has continued, and we have subsequently published original new material on how freeding fruit is damaging to arid habitat species, how to achieve perfect shell growth in hatchlings, and upon the importance of microclimates in captivity.
  • Our most recent research has been upon how climate can induce evolutionary changes in color and form within tortoise populations, and the implications of this for captive husbandry and reproduction.
  • In 2002 we launched the world's first comprehensive online education and training program for keeper's worldwide via www.ttinstitute.co.uk : The Tortoise Trust is pledged to continue this record of innovation and development in the years to come.
  • The Tortoise Trust's hospital continues to treat many sick and injured turtles and tortoises each year. This effort is supported entirely by our members. You can read more about the hospital by clicking here.
  • We have recently launched highly effective campaigns against UK supermarkets such as TESCO that are involved in cruelty to turtles in China.
  • We have an on-going campaign to highlight zoos that provide inadequate care for chelonia.
  • Our rehoming program helps find hundreds of tortoises new homes every year with qualified members. It has a well deserved reputation for excellence and for placing the interests of the tortoise first.  
  • During 2007 we released new updates of several publications and highlighted the problems caused by dealers supplying tortoises with incorrect care information and unsuitable vivarium accommodation..
  • In early 2008 we launched the Jill Martin Fund for Tortoise Welfare and Conservation (Registered Charity number 1123430) to support tortoise welfare and conservation programs worldwide. This is a major new initiative that we hope will make a real difference in years to come
  • In 2008 we also highlighted the dangers of hemp bedding to tortoises and also uncovered major problems with herpes-virus in imported tortoises.
  • In autumn 2008 we launched a new free E-Newsletter to alert owners to particular weather dangers during the hibernation period (severe frosts, etc.) and also released a completely free 24 page full colour care guide for Mediterranean tortoises.
  • In Spring 2009 we held a series of training workshops, and were involved in several large seizures and confiscations involving several hundred tortoises and turtles. Many required intensive veterinary care. This work continues.
  • Over the summer of 2009 we conducted the most extensive tests of vivarium systems for tortoises ever conducted and highlighted the many failings of enclosed housing. This was instrumental in getting dangerous products withdrawn from the market and in developing advice to trading standards and animal welfare officers, hopefully reducing the casualties and suffering caused to thousands of tortoises as a result of improper housing.
  • In early 2010 we relocated our main base to Southern Spain, which also gives us easy access to North Africa. We now have active research projects underway studying wild tortoise hibernation, diets, estivation, growth, microclimates and conservation stategies. The new data obtained will continue to allow us to provide the most accurate, up-to-date advice available by greatly improving our understanding of how these animals function in nature. We are also now able to offer practical training courses on tortoises in their natural habitats.

THE TORTOISE TRUST NEWSLETTER

      

      

Member Benefits

Members of the Tortoise Trust receive our full colour printed NEWSLETTER as published and are also entitled to special offers on books, DVD's and other goods.  By joining the Tortoise Trust you help us to continue our work on behalf of tortoises world wide - and you also guarantee that you will always have a reliable source of help and information whenever you need it.  UK based members are also entitled to register to adopt tortoises via our rehoming system. The Tortoise Trust has a worldwide reputation for innovation and research on all aspects of tortoise welfare and husbandry. By joining us, you are helping to further that effort, and in addition, will ensure that you receive the most up to date advice available.

Privacy Policy Statement

We are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the security of any personal information received from you. We strictly adhere to the requirements of the data protection legislation in the UK. We are registered as a Data Controller under the UK Data Protection Act.

The purpose of this statement is to explain to you what personal information we collect and how we may use it.

2 When you your register for our newsletter we ask you for your name and adresss. If you register online we also ask for an email address and telephone number. The only information we retain is your name and mailing address. We do not retain your telephone number or email address for any longer than needed to ensure your subscription is processed correctly. Those details are then erased from our system.

3 We use your personal information to send you our newsletter or other relevant materials by mail.

4 We do not sell, rent , give or exchange your personal information with any third party for any reason whatsoever.

5 We follow strict security procedures in the storage and disclosure of information which you have given us, to prevent unauthorised access in accordance with the UK data protection legislation.

We do not collect sensitive information about you except when you specifically knowingly provide it, for example if adopting or applying to adopt an animal. We will remove such data at any time if you ask us to.

6 We will not transfer your information outside the EEA (European Economic Area) without first obtaining your consent.

7 If you have any questions about privacy please contact us at: tortoisetrust@aol.com

8. Our nominated Data Controller is Chelonian Educational Resources Limited .