-
10 people are interested
Tour Guide-Docent
ORGANIZATION: Turtle Conservancy
Please visit the new page to apply.
-
10 people are interested
Docents wanted to lead small group tours of our approximately 8-acre facility, to explain the work we are doing with endangered turtles and tortoises worldwide and to introduce tour participants to our captive breeding facility in Ojai. Interest in, and knowledge of, turtles and tortoises is a plus. Tours are on a reservation basis, generally no more than two tours per day, usually less. Must be capable of navigating uneven terrain.
More opportunities with Turtle Conservancy
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About Turtle Conservancy
Location:
PO Box 1289, Ojai, CA 93024, US
Mission Statement
We are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to conservation and research of threatened and endangered freshwater turtles and tortoises.
We promote in situ conservation and field research of threatened and endangered chelonians globally by campaigning for conservation legislation, re-evaluation of species status in the wild, and development of comprehensive protection strategies for turtles and tortoises where they are threatened.
We contribute to ex situ conservation and research of threatened and endangered chelonians by caring for an assurance colony and maintaining a captive reproduction program directed toward establishing detailed protocols for husbandry and breeding by combining natural history data with extensive husbandry experience and active research.
We provide the animals at the Behler Chelonian Center with peaceful surroundings, minimal human contact, and life in habitats that simulate their native environment.
Description
The Turtle Conservancy and Behler Chelonian Center (TC-BCC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to conservation and research of threatened and endangered freshwater turtles and tortoises. The TC-BCC was established in 2005 and is certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Turtle Conservancy is committed to promoting in situ conservation and field research of threatened and endangered chelonians globally. Our work includes protection of species in their natural habitat, education about conservation, and field-based research. We campaign for conservation legislation, re-evaluation of species' status in the wild, and development of comprehensive protection strategies for turtles and tortoises where they are threatened.
Along with the TC's efforts, BCC cares for an assurance colony and maintains a captive reproduction program in Southern California. We establish detailed protocols for husbandry and breeding by combining natural history data with extensive husbandry experience and active research. Species at BCC include founder animals of the Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) Species Survival Plan and the first recorded Spider Tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides) hatchlings in the United States. We currently house over 500 chelonians representing more than 25 taxa, and our success includes breeding and hatching of 15 threatened species. Animals at BCC benefit from peaceful surroundings and minimal human contact, living in habitats that simulate their native environment.CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
Ojai ValleyOjai, CA 93023
DATE POSTED
March 16, 2020
SKILLS
- Habitat Restoration
- Environmental Education
- Animal Care / Handling
- People Skills
- Public Speaking
GOOD FOR
N/A
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 18
- Orientation or Training
- Flexible, depending on when tours are scheduled, generally no more than 4 hours per day.