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About Tortoise Group

Tortoise Group is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting Mojave Desert Tortoises through Adoption, Education, Conservation. Since 1982, it has promoted responsible care, habitat preservation, and legal adoption in Nevada.

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Purpose, Vision & Journey

Who We Are & What We Stand For

We are dedicated to protecting desert tortoises through education, conservation, and advocacy. Our mission, vision, and history reflect our commitment to preserving their habitats and ensuring their long-term survival.

Our History

Founded in 1982, we have dedicated decades to conserving desert tortoises. Our journey focuses on habitat protection, public education, and promoting responsible care to ensure the species’ long-term survival.

Our Mission

Our mission is to protect & conserve desert tortoises through adoption, education, and conservation. We strive to educate the public on responsible tortoise care, preserve their habitats, prevent breeding, and promote long-term survival for future generations.

Our Vision

Our vision is a future where desert tortoises thrive in safe, preserved habitats. We aim to inspire communities to protect these species through awareness, responsible care, and lasting conservation efforts.

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Tortoise Group

Since 1982

Mission, Education & Advocacy

About Tortoise Group Organization

Tortoise Group has been educating and advocating for the protection and well-being of the desert tortoise since 1982. Tortoise Group is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

  • Legal adoption of desert tortoises in Nevada.
  • Citizen science volunteer opportunities to help wild populations and their natural habitat.
  • We provide community education, conservation, wildlife protection, and habitat-awareness program support.
  • Educational workshops on responsible tortoise care.
  • Printed & online material on the care of pet tortoises and related topics.

Facts That Matter

Desert Tortoise Conservation Facts & Impact

Learn essential facts about desert tortoise conservation, their habitat, and the impact of human activities. Discover how responsible actions can help protect and ensure a sustainable future for these endangered species.

Captive Tortoises
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Displaced Yearly
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Years Conserving
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Successfully Rehomed
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Who We Are

Supporting Tortoise Group Changing Lives

Supporting Tortoise Group changes lives by protecting desert tortoises, preserving habitats, and educating communities. Your support ensures their survival, promotes conservation, and fosters a healthier ecosystem for future generations. By volunteering, donating, or adopting, you directly contribute to habitat restoration, scientific research, and responsible wildlife care. Together, we can raise awareness, prevent habitat destruction, and inspire sustainable practices. Every effort helps safeguard these incredible creatures, strengthens biodiversity, and encourages community involvement.

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Meet Our Dedicated Team

Our dedicated team is passionate about protecting desert tortoises through Adoption, Education, Conservation efforts. Together, we work to ensure their well-being, preserve habitats, and promote long-term survival.

Dianne-McClain

Dianne McClain

Board Member

Charles-Born

Charles Born

Adoption Coordinator

Aerial-West

Aerial West

Executive Director

NathanWood

Nathan Wood

Board Chairman

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Support Tortoise Conservation – Donate Now

Your generous donation helps support the protection, care, and rehoming of Mojave Desert Tortoises. By contributing, you play a crucial role in preserving their future and ensuring their well-being through advocacy, education, and conservation efforts.

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Aerial-West

Aerial West – Executive Director

I am originally from Vacaville, California and had been residing in the greater Sacramento area for eight years. I have always had a passion for wildlife conservation, but decided to pursue other academic interests before coming back to working with animals. I have two bachelor’s degrees, one in cultural anthropology and the second in opera for performance from California State University, Sacramento. I continued my research at CSUS during the pandemic where I received a master’s in cultural and linguistic anthropology. Previously, I worked for the Sacramento SPCA as their Humane Educator, overseeing all their education and outreach departments. In working with animals again I was inspired to continue my professional career utilizing my background in anthropology along with my passion for animal welfare. When I saw that there was an opportunity to work with tortoises in Las Vegas I knew I had found my perfect fit! Today I am thrilled to have been provided an opportunity to join Tortoise Group and share in the organization’s mission of adoption, education and conservation with the Las Vegas community. When not working I am usually traveling, playing video games, or spending time with my two dogs (Haku and Rey).

NathanWood

Nathan Wood – Board Director

I’m originally from the UK, where I spent most of my life working to protect wild species in various jobs, and I gained my BSc in Environmental Science and MSc in Conservation Biology degrees.  My introduction to the desert tortoise occurred in 2012 when I visited Las Vegas for a few months, volunteered at the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center, and became fascinated with the desert environment. When I moved to Las Vegas in 2016, I knew I wanted to continue my career as an ecologist/biologist, so I got a job surveying desert tortoises. However, later that year, things took a random turn, and I worked at a hotel on the Strip – for four years!  In 2021, I knew my time away from wildlife had been too long: I needed to be a biologist again!  So, I started with a company that conducts tortoise surveys and radio tracking (which is hard work, but I love it!), amongst other things. Today, I’m an Authorized Biologist working on projects around Las Vegas/Henderson protecting the wild population of desert tortoises, and now I’m glad to join the Tortoise Group and help spread awareness of the captive population!  When not working, I enjoy being outside in nature, hiking, doing craftwork, and spending time with my family (which includes our two cats!).