OUR STORY
From the time he uttered his first word, "turtle", Peter Praschag had declared his devotion to conservation.
Carrying on the work of his father, he has lived and breathed turtles ever since, traveling around the world to share his expertise in the field of herpetology.
Peter has attracted a family of compassionate, brilliant warriors for the cause, together creating four turtle conservation centers in his homeland of Austria, one of which was his childhood home!
When asked about how he maintains his tireless dedication to such an undertaking, Peter responded “From the first moments I can remember until today, my fascination for these ancient animals was so gripping and absorbing that pondering about an alternative path never came up. I know my life on this planet is dedicated to them and their survival.”
Thus, Turtle Island was born.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is simple: save turtles & tortoises from extinction through acute rescue, care, research, breeding, and rewilding.
OUR VISION
Our long term goal is to build a research and conservation zoo to save turtles and inspire humans for generations to come, contributing to the rewilding of our planet.
OUR METHODS
The three pillars of Turtle Island are to rescue, research, and rewild endangered turtles and tortoises.
We combine ex-situ (outside the natural environment) and in-situ (inside the natural environment) research to save turtles and repopulate our planet.
Our ex-situ work mainly consists of caring for turtles, genetic research, and conservation breeding. Our in-situ work takes us around the world to save, study, and repopulate wild turtle species.
OUR FAMILY TREE
This is Turtle Island
OUR BOARD
MAURICE RODRIGUES
Secretary
USA
TIERNEY SCHIPPER
Treasurer
USA
JESSYKA WENGREEN
Vice Treasurer
USA
SHARON WHEAT
Retired
USA
EMILY GAYLOR
Director of Development
USA
JANOS TÖRÖK
Head Keeper
Austria
OUR TEAM
BIRGIT DOPPELHOFER
Animal Keeper
Austria
SARAH-MARIA EGGER
Animal Keeper
Austria
COLLABORATION
We love our partners & corporate sponsorships.
To support our mission of conserving the world’s most endangered and overlooked turtle species, we are continuously expanding our network with international scientific institutions and universities worldwide who share in our passion.
FTTI
ZOO ZAGREB
KANDOORIE FARM AND BOTANICAL GARDEN
PRT SWITZERLAND
VIENNA UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY GRAZ
Turtle Island, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, invites companies to make a meaningful impact through corporate sponsorships. Your organization’s support, whether in the form of monetary donations or goods, can help conserve habitats, preserve biodiversity, and showcase a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. These companies partner with Turtle Island to leave a lasting legacy of corporate leadership in environmental conservation.
DONATE WITH CONFIDENCE
Turtle Island Financials
We are proud to be transparent with you.
SEE WHY YOUR DONATION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH US
100% OF EVERY DONATION GOES TO SAVING TURTLES AND TORTOISES FROM EXTINCTION.
