Pour yourself a cup and join me for Turtle Tea - the definitive turtle and tortoise podcast! Whether you're a new keeper or a die-hard turtle nerd, we're sharing the inside secrets for keeping and breeding a variety of species. This show is brought to you by the Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG), whose mission is to ensure survival of the world’s turtles and tortoises through captive breeding. Be sure to subscribe for expert species guides, husbandry and breeding advice - we’re brewing up new episodes every two weeks.
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Host Wendy Montroy kicks off the podcast by introducing our mission: to build a digital library of real-world care and breeding information for turtles and tortoises. This show is brought to you by the Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG) and aims to equip keepers, from beginners to experts, with the knowledge needed to ensure the survival of these incredible animals through responsible captive breeding.
Future episodes will feature deep dives into specific species, covering everything from lighting and diets to breeding and hatchling care, and spotlighting often-overlooked species. Join Wendy for conversations with innovative keepers, and be sure to subscribe as the next episode features Michael Thathuvaswamy of Shelled Friends discussing Tabasco Mud Turtles!
Tabasco Mud Turtles: The Turtle World’s Best-Kept Secret
Season 1 · Episode 1
Monday, November 3, 2025 • Duration 26:48
Host Wendy Montroy sits down with Michael Thathuvaswamy of Shelled Friends to explore the fascinating Tabasco Mud Turtle (Kinosternon acutum). Native to the lowlands of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala, this small, colorful mud turtle is both beautiful and underrated. Michael shares how he fell in love with the species, how they thrive in captivity, and why they make an excellent choice for new keepers interested in aquatic turtles.
Wendy sits down with long-time keeper and founding member of the Kleinmanni Assurance Project (KAP), Ralph Till, for a deep dive into breeding the critically endangered Egyptian tortoise. Ralph shares decades of hands-on experience, including ideal female size and age, seasonal breeding behaviors, how to set up reliable nest boxes, incubation best practices, and what to expect from hatchlings during their first fragile month of life.
They also explore the origins and goals of KAP - an initiative built to establish genetically diverse assurance colonies across the United States following the ESA regulation changes. Ralph explains how KAP places animals, why meticulous record-keeping matters, and what it really takes for new keepers to responsibly join the effort.
If you’re interested in working with Egyptian tortoises, or just want a rare behind-the-scenes look at conservation-minded captive breeding, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Ever wondered how to care for one of the world’s smallest and rarest tortoises? Join Wendy Montroy and Ralph Till as they dive deep into the hidden world of Egyptian tortoises (Testudo kleinmanni), exploring what makes them so fragile, fascinating, and vital to save.
In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, host Wendy Montroy talks with lifelong TTPG member and Kleinmanni Assurance Project founder Ralph Till about the rare and critically endangered Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)—the world’s smallest tortoise species.
Ralph shares his nearly two decades of experience breeding these fragile desert reptiles, discussing their unique habitat, diet, humidity cycles, and conservation challenges. Learn how wild populations have vanished from Egypt and Israel, why ESA regulations complicate captive breeding in the U.S., and what dedicated keepers can do to support the species’ survival.
If you’ve ever wondered how to care for, breed, or conserve Egyptian tortoises, this episode is a must-listen for serious herp enthusiasts.
00:00 – Introduction: Meet Ralph Till & The Kleinmanni Assurance Project
01:32 – What Makes Egyptian Tortoises So Unique
Hatching Success: Tabasco Mud Turtle Breeding
Season 1 · Episode 2
Monday, November 17, 2025 • Duration 21:47
Wendy Montroy sits down with Michael Thathuvaswamy to dive into the fascinating world of Tabasco Mud Turtle breeding (Kinosternon acutum). Building on the previous episode about husbandry and care, this discussion explores everything about breeding and hatchling care.
Whether you’re a long-time turtle keeper or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical, field-tested insights to help you raise healthy, thriving Tabasco Mud Turtles.
Flippers, snouts, and a reputation as the “holy grail” of turtles - Fly River Turtles are unlike anything else in herpetoculture. In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, host Wendy Montroy sits down with longtime keeper Raul Gonzalez to explore the fascinating world of the Fly River Turtle, also known as the Pig-Nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta).
Raul shares how childhood dreams turned into hands-on experience with one of the most sought after aquatic turtles in the hobby. Together, they dive into what makes Fly River Turtles so unique: their almost fully aquatic lifestyle, rapid growth, surprising omnivorous diet, and the reality of housing large, powerful turtles long term.
The conversation also tackles common challenges, including sexing difficulties, male aggression, enclosure size, and the responsibility that comes with keeping a species impacted by habitat loss and poaching. Raul discusses ethical sourcing, CITES regulations, and his hope to see more responsible captive breeding in the U.S.
Whether you are Fly River Turtle-curious or already keeping one, this episode offers practical insight, honest perspectives, and a deeper appreciation for one of the most extraordinary turtles on the planet.
Have questions? You can find Wendy and Raul on the TTPG Group Discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TTPGGroup
Padlopers: Breeding for the Future of the Parrot-Beaked Tortoise
Season 1 · Episode 7
Monday, January 19, 2026 • Duration 36:50
Breeding padlopers isn’t optional - it’s essential. In this episode, host Wendy Montroy sits down with Dirk Barnard to unpack what it really takes to breed parrot beak tortoises successfully.
Founder of Tortoise Conservation South Africa and a keynote speaker at the 2025 TTPG Conference, Dirk shares hard-won insights into why captive breeding is now inseparable from the survival of the common padloper. Together, they explore the challenges facing breeders worldwide, from limited genetic diversity and information-sharing barriers to the real risks of inbreeding.
Dirk dives deep into practical husbandry, including temperature cycling, diet, egg incubation, and hatchling care, while dispelling common assumptions that can sabotage breeding success. He also makes a compelling case for collaboration, calling for stud books and transparent breeding efforts to build sustainable populations.
This conversation is both a technical deep dive and a call to action for keepers, breeders, and conservation-minded listeners invested in the future of one of South Africa’s most threatened tortoises.
Have questions? You can find Wendy and Dirk on the TTPG Group Discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TTPGGroup
Padlopers: Small Tortoises, Big Conservation Challenges
Season 1 · Episode 6
Monday, January 5, 2026 • Duration 37:49
Host Wendy Montroy welcomes Dirk Barnard, founder of Tortoise Conservation South Africa and a keynote speaker at the TTPG Conference, for a fascinating deep dive into one of the world’s smallest and most misunderstood tortoises: the common padloper (Homopus aureolatus).
In this episode, Dirk shares the personal journey that led him into tortoise conservation, beginning with a childhood encounter alongside his father in rural South Africa. That early experience sparked a lifelong passion and a deep respect for the fragile balance that padlopers depend on to survive. Dirk unpacks the complex legal landscape surrounding tortoise ownership in South Africa and explains why education and awareness are essential tools in preventing exploitation and unintentional harm.
Despite measuring less than 10 centimeters, the common padloper carries enormous conservation significance. Dirk brings the Western Cape to life, describing its extraordinary biodiversity, unique biomes, and dramatic climate swings. From semi-desert to coastal habitats, padlopers have evolved to endure scorching heat and cold winters, showcasing remarkable resilience in the face of environmental extremes.
The conversation turns sobering as Dirk challenges common assumptions about conservation threats. While poaching often gets the spotlight, he explains why electrified fencing, habitat loss, and urban expansion pose far greater risks to padloper populations, along with predation from birds such as crows and ravens. Backed by real-world data, Dirk urges a broader, more informed approach to tortoise protection.
Wendy and Dirk also explore the realities of captive care, offering practical guidance on diet, enclosure design, humidity, and health, especially for hatchlings. Dirk emphasizes the importance of mimicking natural conditions and providing a diverse, nutrient-rich diet that includes succulents and native plant matter.
The episode wraps with a thoughtful discussion on cultural perceptions of reptiles, the stigma surrounding tortoise ownership, and why education is key to changing long-held misconceptions. Dirk makes a passionate case for empowering the next generation with accurate information and respect for these extraordinary animals.
Galapagos Tortoises: Living with Giants
Season 1 · Episode 5
Monday, December 22, 2025 • Duration 01:12:17
Join us as we talk to Jason and Tara Troxell of Arctic Reptile Ranch about life with Galapagos tortoises. We'll talk about how they ended up on the islands to begin with (hint, it's not island gigantism!) and earned the nickname "Galap-holes". We go beyond the standard nature documentary fare to dig into what life with these magnificent animals is truly like. It’s a story that begins in an unlikely place, finding Galaps in Alaska.
Beyond their personal journey, we dive deep into the natural history of the species and exploring how humans drove giant tortoises to extinction in nearly every other part of the world. Jason and Tara also provide a sobering look at captive care, from the immense costs of veterinary treatment (sometimes the price of a car) to the reality of caring for animals you can't physically move on your own. Whether you are a dreamer or a future keeper, this episode covers the legality, logistics, and heavy lifting required to keep these surprisingly intelligent, sensitive giants.
Chapters
0:28 Introduction to Galapagos Tortoises
3:29 Jason and Tara's Journey into Tortoise Keeping
4:03 Natural History of Galapagos Tortoises
10:48 Human Impact and Conservation Challenges
21:57 Legalities of Keeping Galapagos Tortoises
26:57 Captive Care and Husbandry
38:15 Feeding and Nutritional Needs
42:46 Behavioral Insights and Social Dynamics
52:49 The Cost of Keeping Galapagos Tortoises
1:03:34 Reflections on Tortoise Intelligence and Care
1:10:39 Conclusion and Resources for Further Learning
International Turtle and Tortoise Week™ 2026 - Get ready to celebrate!
Season 1
Monday, April 13, 2026 • Duration 21:33
Join us for International Turtle and Tortoise Week™ (ITTW) , April 20-24 2026! Host Wendy Montroy welcomes TTPG founder Russ Gurley and Ashley Rademacher, the Director of Animal Care and Education at Zoo Med Labs, Inc. ITTW provides FREE educational packets to thousands of students across fifteen countries. Educators of all types, homeschoolers, teachers, 4H groups, or after school clubs can register to receive digital downloads or physical materials like lesson plans and stickers.
The group discusses the evolution of the program from its roots and association with Earth Day, to its current status as a global outreach effort. They talk about ITTW's origins in inspiring and engaging young people and go over the packet contents, with a specific curriculum designed for students in second through sixth grade, although older kids have enjoyed it as well. They emphasize the importance of providing printed materials for schools with limited resources, especially with today's rising printing and shipping costs.
03:18 – Tiny Tortoises, Big Challenges: Breeding in Captivity
06:42 – Habitat Insights: From Coastal Humidity to Desert Sand
09:15 – Understanding Their Diet and Daily Routine
11:40 – Why Egyptian Tortoises Aren’t for Beginners
14:02 – ESA Regulations and the Breeder’s Dilemma
17:25 – Building a Self-Sustaining Captive Population
20:10 – Advice for Keepers: Starting with Hardier Species
22:40 – The Future of Testudo kleinmanni Conservation
25:10 – Closing Thoughts: Hope for the World’s Smallest Tortoise
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Listeners are invited to connect with Dirk through Tortoise Conservation South Africa and his social media channels, and to join the conversation in the TTPG Facebook Group. Wendy also teases an upcoming episode focused entirely on common padloper breeding and hatchling care.
If you care about tortoise conservation, husbandry, or learning from experts on the ground, this episode is not to be missed.
Have questions? You can find Wendy and Dirk on the TTPG Group Discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TTPGGroup
Gaughran, S. J., Gray, R., Ochoa, A., Jones, M., Fusco, N., Miller, J. M., Poulakakis, N., de Queiroz, K., Caccone, A., & Jensen, E. L. (2024). Whole-genome sequencing confirms multiple species of Galapagos giant tortoises. Evolution, Volume 79, Issue 2, February 2025, Pages 296–308
Gibbs, J. P., Cayot, L. J., & Tapia A, W. (2020). Galapagos Giant Tortoises (Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes). Academic Press.
Kehlmaier, C., Barlow, A., Hastings, A. K., Vamberger, M., Paijmans, J. L., Steadman, D. W., Albury, N. A., Franz, R., Hofreiter, M., & Fritz, U. (2017). Tropical ancient DNA reveals relationships of the extinct Bahamian giant tortoise Chelonoidis alburyorum. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 284: 20162235
Lichtig, A. & Lucas, S. (2015). Turtles of the lower Eocene San Jose formation, San Juan basin, New Mexico. New Mexico Museum of Natural History Bulletin. 161.
Orenstein, R.(2012). Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins: A Natural History. Firefly Books
Rhodin, A., Thomson, S., Georgalis, G., . Hans-Volker, K., Danilov, I., Takahashi, A., de la Fuente, M., Bourque, J., Delfino, M., Bour, R., Iverson, J., Shaffer, H.B., & van Dijk, P. P. (2015). Turtles and Tortoises of the World During the Rise and Global Spread of Humanity: First Checklist and Review of Extinct Pleistocene and Holocene Chelonians. Chelonian Research Monographs. 5. 1-66.
Sadeghayobi, E., Blake, S., Wikelski, M., Gibbs, J., Mackie, R., & Cabrera, F.. (2011). Digesta retention time in the Galapagos tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part A. 160. 493-7.
Vlachos, E, and Rabi, M. (2018). Total Evidence Analysis and Body Size Evolution of Extant and Extinct Tortoises (Testudines: Cryptodira: Pan-Testudinidae). Cladistics34(6): 652–683.
Wiesner, C, & Iben, C. (2003). Influence of environmental humidity and dietry protein on pyramidal growth of carapaces in African spurred tortoises (Geochelone Sulcata). Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 87. 66-74.
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