Shell Yea! Join us this year to Shellebrate World Turtle Day® on May 23rd! worldturtleday.org

This cold weather is tough on turtles too. Eight were just rescued in the Keys after becoming cold stunned — when low temperatures leave them too weak to swim. A gentle reminder from someone who’s been doing this a long time: if you see a turtle in trouble, don’t put it back in the water. Call a rescue. Grateful for the helpers out there keeping turtles safe. Stay warm, friends. wsvn.com/news/local/florida/… @WorldTurtleDay 💚

Meet Turtle & Tortoise Rescue of Arroyo Grande (TTRAG) 🐢💚 Run by Tammy and Jeff, TTRAG is a volunteer-run, family-led sanctuary on California’s Central Coast, dedicated to providing lifelong care for rescued turtles and tortoises through daily, hands-on commitment and deep respect for every animal in their care. When American Tortoise Rescue needed to make thoughtful, animal-first decisions during a period of transition, Tammy and Jeff stepped forward without hesitation, welcoming more than 80 turtles and tortoises, including several longtime residents, into their sanctuary. While turtles and tortoises are at the heart of TTRAG’s mission, their compassion extends further, offering refuge, stability, and care to other animals in need as well. Their sanctuary is a place built on patience, responsibility, and the belief that every animal deserves safety and dignity. We’re grateful to introduce the people now caring for animals we love. Take a look at the important work they’re doing every day: turtleandtortoiserescueofarr…

This meeting could’ve been a sun nap.

Thank you for the beautiful messages and memories you’ve shared about Marshall. 💚 They continue to mean more to me than I can say. As we begin a new year, donations made in his memory will support Turtle and Tortoise Rescue of Arroyo Grande and the turtles and tortoises he cared so deeply about. Your kindness helps keep his compassion alive. turtleandtortoiserescueofarr…

As we welcome a new year, we’re filled with gratitude. 🐢💚 Thank you for 25 years of World Turtle Day and 35 years of American Tortoise Rescue, and for the incredible community that has supported turtles, tortoises, and conservation every step of the way. And yes, the turtles insisted on wearing their New Year’s fancy clothes one last time. Here’s to protecting turtles today and for generations to come.

This year has brought big changes, and we’re sharing them together as we shellebrate 25 years of World Turtle Day® and 35 years of American Tortoise Rescue. 💚🐢 Following Susan’s move, several longtime ATR residents, including some of its largest tortoises and about 80 others, have joined Turtle and Tortoise Rescue of Arroyo Grande (TTRAG). The photos you’re seeing here are from move-in day, as these turtles and tortoises arrived at their new home! At TTRAG, a volunteer-run, family-led sanctuary, they now have space to roam, sunshine to soak up, and a dedicated team providing lifelong care. ATR’s mission and World Turtle Day® continues and evolves. At the same time, TTRAG has taken on a major responsibility by welcoming so many new residents. If you’re able, please support TTRAG as they care for these turtles and tortoises. Every donation directly supports food, habitat care, enrichment, and veterinary needs. Thank you for standing with both ATR and TTRAG as we continue this work together. 💚🐢 turtleandtortoiserescueofarr…

Wishing you a merry, messy, prickly-pear Christmas from Tank and his sweater. ❤️🎄

Fun fact: turtles have been around for over 200 million years and rocking their “natural sweaters” long before holiday sweaters existed

Sweater season can mean slower turtle appetites, which means cooler temps can make them eat less. Keep basking temps steady and monitor habits.

Holiday sweaters are cute, but enrichment keeps turtles happy. Add rocks, hides, and safe plants to keep their winter world interesting!

I want to share something very personal with you all. My husband and cofounder of American Tortoise Rescue, Marshall, passed away recently. For more than three decades, he worked quietly and tirelessly beside me, driven by a deep love for animals and a belief that every turtle and tortoise deserved care, protection, and respect. American Tortoise Rescue began with the two of us simply wanting to make the world a little better for turtles. Everything we built, we built together. Marshall’s kindness, dedication, and steady presence will always be part of ATR’s foundation and its mission. It has taken me some time to share this news. Alongside this loss, there have been many personal and sanctuary transitions happening at once, and finding the right way to tell everyone has been difficult. After nearly 30 years in Malibu, I decided it was time for a change. I have moved to a smaller place to be closer to my grandkids, which has been a real comfort. With less space, I had to make some difficult decisions about our sanctuary. Some of our larger tortoises, like Tank and Popcorn, and many others have moved north to a wonderful new home at Turtle and Tortoise Rescue of Arroyo Grande (TTRAG). It is a volunteer-run, family-led sanctuary where rescued turtles and tortoises enjoy room to roam, sunshine, and expert care. I am so grateful for their warm welcome and the shared commitment to lifelong rescue and education. I appreciate your patience and understanding as I navigate this moment. If you would like to make a donation in Marshall’s honor, please make a donation to Turtle and Tortoise Rescue of Arroyo Grande in his name. Those gifts will support the continued care of turtles and tortoises Marshall helped rescue and rehabilitate for over the years. turtleandtortoiserescueofarr… Thank you for your kindness and your compassion. It means more than I can say. With gratitude, xo Susan

A sweater makes us look cute, but a healthy shell makes us thrive.

Happy first night of Hanukkah! 🕎 Even in our coziest sweaters, turtles still need their own light, a good UVB bulb to keep shells strong all season long.

Gingerbread for you, leafy greens for us.