This is sad news for tort owners and lovers in the UK and around the world. My experience with Joy was through the tortoisefriends mailing list where she provided myself and many new tort owners with priceless first hand knowledge on the proper care and housing of our new tortoise family members. I learned through the list, and through countless stories from others, that she has provided a sanctuary for thousands of abandoned and confiscated tortoises in her home over the years. The sanctuary itself provided refuge for tortoises left in the hands of the RSPCA as well as those confiscated by customs etc. It was a self sustaining project that provided a safe and quality home for these needy animals by inviting visitors for a small fee and providing them with education about these creatures she has devoted her life to. The cost of a zoo license is too much when combined with maintaining the quality services these animals require and so the sanctuary will have to close its doors. I have no doubt that Joy will somehow find or provide the best care for those tortoises currently occupying the sanctuary but I am saddened that there is one less place for the future tortoises in need of appropriate care.
featured posts
Words of Wisdom From The Experts
Wisdom From The Experts Pt 4 & 5 Two Turtle and Tort experts, two related pieces of wisdom to share about turtle and tortoise anatomy! Lori Neuman-Lee, PhD (@CheloniaGirl ), prof at Utah State University, says – “I wish people knew that turtles can’t come out of their shells…because their shells are part of their...
Read more
Words of Wisdom From The Experts
Words of Wisdom from the Experts Pt 3- “I wish people knew how smart turtles are. They learn quickly where their food comes from; if from a human then they learn that specific person” Is what Michelle Kelly (@MichelleKellyCW), public speaker about Reptiles and amphibians, wishes more people knew about turtles and tortoises. Those of...
Read more
Words of Wisdom From The Experts

Words of wisdom from the experts pt 2 Check out this INCREDIBLE photo by Amanda Hipps, @biophilamanda, one of the experts who responded to our #worldturtleday question. Amanda studies the animals that live in gopher tortoise burrows. In case you didn’t know, gopher tortoise burrows are home to hundreds of other animals. Their status as endangered directly...
Read more
Words of Wisdom From The Experts
Words of Wisdom from the Experts Pt. 1
This year, in honor of #WorldTurtleDay, we asked herpetologists, biologists, rescues, and rehabbers, to tell us what they wish more people knew about Turtles and Tortoises. Starting today we’ll be sharing a few responses a day! Let’s learn more about the animals we love from people who have devoted their lives to protecting them. Biologist...
Read more