GET TO KNOW US
OUR FAMILY TREE
Animal Keeper
Austria
Animal Keeper
Austria
Trainee Animal Keeper
Austria
Volunteer
AUSTRIA
Branding + Web Design
USA
Volunteer
Spain
After he received his degree in Biology and Zoology, Peter founded the conservation and breeding institution Turtle Island, together with his father Reiner.
Next to his duties as a turtle-breeder and conservator, he supports various Wildlife and Natural History TV productions as a scientific advisor and he is a sworn and court-certified expert for biology (keeping and breeding of zoo animals).
Peter is a member of both the Freshwater Turtle and Tortoise Specialist Group and the Conservation Planning Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Additionally, he holds the position of Vice President at Turtle Island Corporation, a U.S. based nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status.
After working as a small animal and zoo veterinarian in Alaska for over 10 years, Shannon joined Turtle Island. Since 2011, she has been busy working for Turtle Island and various other international turtle conservation projects combining veterinary medicine with the conservation of nature, further supporting her lifelong engagement in the protection and pursuit of wellbeing for all animals.
She is also a desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) conservation biologist for solar energy projects and the US military in California and Nevada.
In 2018, she founded and is the President of Turtle Island Corporation, a U.S.A. based nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Amphibian- und Reptilienkrankheiten (AG ARK) and Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Herpetologie und Terrarienkunde (DGHT).
Reiner and his son Peter turned their family hobby into careers, as they launched the Turtle Island foundation.
As a sworn and court-certified expert for Structural Engineering and Zoology as well as a CITES-Assessor for species conservation, within 40 years they managed to establish one of the greatest and most important turtle collections worldwide with more than 240 different species. Many of these species are endangered in the wild and depend on their life at Turtle Island to ensure their survival on the planet.
Sadly, Reiner passed away in the fall of 2023 after a short, serious illness.
Conservation breeding, biological classification, and field studies in Eastern Asia, focusing on the highly endangered Asian Box Turtle, Cuora, form the foundation of Torsten’s studies. His research has included every type of East Asian Box Turtle.
Currently, he is deeply involved in investigating the Cuora zhoui, which was recognized in 1990, but never observed in the wild.
Torsten maintains the ESF (European Studbook Foundation) studbook for the Cuora trifasciata and Cuora cyclornata, and is also a member of the IUCN TFTSG, the Turtle Survival Alliance, (Field Conservation Committee) and other turtle organisations.
Tierney’s love for aquatic ecosystems began at an early age crafting aquariums of local invertebrates and algae from Minnesota lakes. She has worked with rare and endangered species including tortoises, fish, dragonflies, birds, and plants across the United States and abroad. She holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, enabling her to merge skills in management and finance with her passion for science.
Tierney is the Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors of Turtle Island.
Maurice, Co-Founder of the Turtle Conservancy and current Board member of Turtle Island, graduated in natural resource management from Rutgers University. Under the guidance of John Behler at the Bronx Zoo, he revamped the reptile house’s aquatic filtration, lighting, and infrastructure, introducing the Zoo’s first reverse osmosis system for unprecedented amphibian breeding.
His childhood fascination with the wilds of the northeastern United States sparked at six when his father gifted him a box turtle found in the Pine Barrens. Despite growing up in New York City, Maurice’s first turtle fueled his dedication to locating and hatching eggs from threatened nests.
For nearly three decades, Brian has led the recovery efforts of some of the world’s rarest turtles. His unwavering commitment revolves around preserving endangered turtle and tortoise species and recovering their populations to their former full ecological function, a mission he has pursued globally. Brian’s research expertise centers on bridging the gap between ecological insights into the life history of Critically Endangered turtles and tortoises and the implementation of effective conservation strategies.
At Turtle Island, his vast expertise enriches our team and reinforces our dedication to turtle conservation.
While Sharon was born in Florida, she spent most of her life in Alaska working for various engineering and environmental companies producing mechanical, electrical and civil drawings for construction projects. She also supported her passion for nature by creating environmental drawings that supported scientific field research.
Sharon met Shannon (Turtle Island founder and veterinarian) in 2004, when Shannon was treating her dogs at a clinic in Alaska. They became friends and Sharon’s desire to help the environment turned towards turtle conservation. In 2020, Sharon became a board member of Turtle Island and has been an ardent supporter of their projects for many years.
The health and species-appropriate care of all animal habitats is Greg’s greatest concern. Inspired and guided by his field work, he founded Gregory George Designs, which spezializes in the design and fabrication of naturalistic habitats for amphibians, reptiles, fish and small mammals for museums, zoos and nature centers. He creates accurate geological formations, sedimentation, artifacts, and natural plantings to give visitors unique insights into the natural history of the animals on display and how they interact with their environment.
Greg is a board member and Secretary for the State of Georgia’s Turtle Island Corporation, a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status.
With a background in the photo and tech industries, Rita Chen brings a wealth of experience to our team.
Passionate about nature, she now serves as our Major Gifts & Donor Management Officer, weaving her expertise into the Turtle Island’s mission.
Elise, a Miami, Florida native, grew up surrounded by diverse wildlife, but her deep-rooted passion for turtles has been evident since her early years. With a steadfast dedication to enhancing her understanding of the natural world, she has attained an impressive academic record – a doctorate in entomology, a master’s degree in biology focusing on zoology, and a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology and conservation.
Elise is a prolific writer, having authored numerous scientific articles throughout her academic journey. She is eager to leverage her writing expertise to contribute to Turtle Island’s critical mission of turtle conservation.
Indrani is a distinguished conservationist and researcher with over 16 years of experience across academia, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Calcutta, India, followed by a Master’s degree in Zoology with a specialization in Molecular Genetics. She completed her Ph.D. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at South Dakota State University, focusing on the Population Viability Assessment of Swift Fox in Badlands National Park.
Indrani’s career is marked by exceptional leadership and project management skills, particularly in grant writing and management. She has successfully secured over US$5 million in funding for conservation initiatives, including research, outreach, infrastructure development, education, and public engagement. Her strategic approach to grant writing has garnered support from prestigious entities like the US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Department of Agriculture, UK-DEFRA, IUCN, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Her current role as part time Grant Writer at Turtle Island involves prospecting for funding opportunities that align with organizational goals, driving impactful conservation programs across diverse landscapes and cultural contexts as well as grant writing.
Anita has been part of the Turtle Island team since 2021 and is responsible for Marketing and Public Relations as well as other organizational, financial, and personnel tasks.
She has a degree in International Marketing with a focus on Media- and Event Management and has known Peter for more than 20 years, having previously collaborated on various international blue-chip UNIVERSUM TV documentaries, while serving as head of production.
Carmen always has had a great heart for animals and a big interest for nature. It has soon been clear to her that she wants to work with animals and in nature conservation. Therefore, she is currently studying biology at the KF-university in Graz (Austria).
The work at Turtle Island is a great opportunity for her to contribute to species conservation as well as to dive into the world of turtles and learn more about these stunning creatures every day.
When Lisa was 11 years old, she received her first turtle from Turtle Island’s founder, Peter, himself.
She is a trained animal keeper and takes great care of the animals every day.
Honza comes from the Czech Republic and has been fascinated by animals since childhood. Among all creatures, turtles have always held a special place in his heart. At secondary school, he studied exotic animal breeding with a focus on reptiles and gained valuable experience in animal care and nutrition. When he received a job offer from Turtle Island, he didn’t have to think twice – it was a dream come true!
In 2025, he moved to Graz together with his girlfriend Alexa. They share not only their love for animals but also a growing passion for turtles – and now work side by side at Turtle Island.
Alexa is from the Czech Republic and has loved animals for as long as she can remember. She deepened her interest at secondary school in Litomyšl, where she studied exotic animal breeding. For four years, she focused mainly on mammals, but she wanted to broaden her experience with other species. That’s why joining Turtle Island was the perfect next step!
In 2025, she moved to Graz with her boyfriend Honza, who introduced her to the fascinating world of turtles. Today, both of them dedicate their hearts and energy to caring for the animals at Turtle Island – living their shared dream every day.
Currently studying biology at the KF University Graz, Birgit has a profound love for all creatures.
She brings passion for animal care and wildlife conservation to our team. Through her work, she continuously gains new skills and knowledge, which brings her joy and fulfillment, contributing to her personal and professional growth while enhancing our collective dedication to the well-being of our animal residents.
With a BSc in Zoology and an MSc in Conservation Biology, Maddy has a passion for wildlife protection. She has previously interned with the Centre for Research and Conservation at Antwerp Zoo, and completed her Master’s thesis on the Spatial Ecology of African rodents following three months of research in Tanzania. She greatly enjoys field work and has had the opportunity to pursue diverse projects across Europe and Asia.
Maddy joined Turtle Island in 2020 and now works closely with our international, interdisciplinary team. Together with Peter Praschag, Maddy maintains Turtle Island’s studbooks.
Tanja Blanck-Kremser holds a master degree in Zoology and has been doing turtle research together with her husband Torsten for more than 2 decades.
She is actively involved in field work as well as managing the extensive Cuora assurance colony at Turtle Islands Cuora Conservation Center in Deutschlandsberg, Austria.
She came to own her first turtles in 2018 through her niece Lisa Marschnig (our long-time animal caretaker) and Peter Praschag. Since then, her love for these animals has grown steadily, and the turtles at Turtle Island have become a true matter of the heart.
While she works professionally in elderly care, she spends her free time gathering fresh wild herbs to lovingly spoil her shelled companions. With warmth and dedication, she has become a valued member of the Turtle Island Family.
She also advises “Greek tortoise newcomers” on care, feeding, and proper housing – and thanks to her support, many rescue animals have already found a loving new home.
Until her retirement, Gabriele worked as a managing director in a company for bandaging materials. Now she has more time to pursue her favorite hobby: Working with animals.
With enthusiasm, Gabriele tends to, cares for, and feeds our ‘Turties’ at Turtle Island. She greatly enjoys working in a young, motivated team.”
Reptiles have been part of his life since childhood – animals are often his favorite companions. He cares deeply about successful reintroductions into the wild and about ensuring the best possible care for animals in human care.
With great sensitivity, patience, and practical skills, he supports the Turtle Island Family wherever he can – always eager to share knowledge and to learn. For him, open exchange benefits everyone – especially the animals.
As a former employee of the Botanical Garden in Graz, Franz knows what it takes to keep things intact.
At Turtle Island, he oversees all technical concerns and is our specialist in filtration, pumping technology, and heating.
The Symphasis-Barbel Heiz Turtle Fund, founded by the swissborn Barbel Heiz, has the goal to prevent extinction of highly imperiled turtle species. Supporting both in- and ex-situ conservation projects are vital for this goal.
For the Vallarta Mud Turtle, it became clear to Barbel, after she has visited Mexico the first time together with the Turtle Island team in 2023. There she has seen its demise, so a Conservation Center might be the species last hope for survival, until potential land can be acquired and to provide basis for future release projects.
After her studies in Business Administration, Irmi Häger discovered her great love for reptiles and has been dedicated to turtles since 1995.
Today, she works alongside Turtle Island on conservation breeding projects for South African tortoises and enriches the team with her practical experience.
As a turtle keeper himself, Richard learned about their biology at an early age, particularly what it takes for a turtle to be happy. During his 20 year career as the Librarian of the herpetological collection at the Natural History Museum Vienna, he simultaneously served as the General Secretary of the Austrian Association for Herpetology.
Following his turtle-esque passion, he now supports Turtle Island with scientific classifications, field herpetological and literature-based tasks.
Ever since he was a young boy, Roland has been fascinated by fish, amphibians, birds, mammals and snakes, his steppingstone to his favorites today: the magnificent turtles.
Together with Turtle Island, he supports conservation breeding projects with a major focus on Asian and American turtle species.
As a passionate swamp-wader, Till has been working with Turtle Island on offspring and breeding programs for various turtle species that have become extinct in the wild.
Due to his widespread interests in many areas, he supports Turtle Island by connecting the foundation with the enterprises of Arts and Culture.
Together with her deceased husband Ingo, Waltraud has been caring for South American, Asian, and North American terrapins since 1971.
A few years ago, she donated her turtles for conservation breeding to Turtle Island and has contributed valuably to the conservation of endangered species ever since.
Since his early youth, Herbert has been involved in keeping and breeding various exotic turtle species.
Together with Turtle Island, he works on conservation breeding projects with a focus on East-Asian-pond turtles.
Claudia is an enthusiastic turtle keeper and coordinates all of Turtle Island’s Swiss-related projects.
She has an enormous knowledge about turtles and regularly cares for ill or protected turtles at her home, returning them to health.
Throughout her life, Rupali has worked closely with experts, indigenous tribes, and animal welfare organizations to preserve and protect animals.
Currently, she works as a Biologist in Northwest India and coordinates Turtle Island’s species protection projects in South Asia as an employee at Schönbrunn Zoo.
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