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.