Sanctuary
Sanctuary
The North Carolina Tortoise Sanctuary provides permanent homes for many species of turtles and other reptiles. We strive to keep our species in a “native” state, similar to the way they are naturally found throughout the world.
Over the years, we have adopted a variety of methods allowing us to fulfill the utmost in care and design re-created environments. We are always expanding and improving our enclosures to best fit the need of these wonderful animals.
Wildlife
Wildlife
If you have found an injured or displaced NC wild reptile (turtle, lizard, or snake) please call us at 919-817-7316
*It is our goal to return to the wild/release all native species of animals that are rehabilitated in our care*
Our licenses and skills pertain only to treating reptiles. If you have found injured wildlife other than a reptile, you can locate a licensed wildlife rehabilitator (suited for the animal you have found) by going t0
Educational Outreach
Educational Outreach
Every year we receive hundreds of requests to share our animals with schools, camps, and other public/private events. It is our pleasure to fill as many of these requests as possible, and the revenue from programs fees helps fund the entire sanctuary operation. Our goal is to not only provide outstanding science education, but for our passion for these animals to be contagious and inspiring to others. To join us at an event or to book a program, please visit our educational outreach program,
" The Traveling Tortoise " at www.thetravelingtortoise.org
Adoption
Adoption
Although we are primarily a sanctuary, we also provide local reptile adoption and home relocating. We gladly help with finding permanent home placement for pet reptiles/ amphibians. If you are interesting in providing a home or have a reptile/know of a reptile in need of a new home, please contact us .
There has been a huge rise of tortoise intakes over the last few years. We have expanded the winter greenhouse several times, build more enclosures, and seeded the tortoise pasture repeatedly. Regardless of our efforts, we have run out of space for further intakes, especially for large sulcatas.
Our winter costs for housing this large population has exceeded $2,000 a month during winter months to cover basic heating costs and food alone.
As a result, we have made the decision to begin accepting adoption applications for our non-permanent residents here at the sanctuary. This will allow for more intakes and align with our mission to continue to provide surrendered tortoises permanent homes. Whether that be here at the sanctuary or with an adopter that can provide them the care and habitat they deserve.
We will now be posting adoptable tortoises on our website! We are looking for applicants who do NOT intend to breed sulcatas as we see first hand how overpopulated they are here (we turn down multiple surrenders every week). All sulcata applicants will need to upload photos of a grazing area and heated winter housing. We will request proof that potential adopters can provide their new tortoise with the proper amount of attention, space, nutrition, and humidity for health and growth.
Although we are looking for permanent homes for these tortoises, we understand that unexpected circumstances arise. We ask that if the adopter can no longer keep their tortoise, that the tortoise be returned to the sanctuary.
All adoption fees will go directly toward food, housing, and medical costs for the tortoises here at the sanctuary.
If you are not able to adopt a tortoise at this time, donations of high quality hay or Mazuri Tortoise Food are always accepted and greatly appreciated. We have a Chewy wishlist which you can find here: North Carolina Tortoise Sanctuary | Wake Forest, NC | Chewy
As always, we appreciate your support as we continue our mission to rescue and provide sanctuary to these incredible animals.
See adoption page for current available tortoises and adoption application.
“
Take a walk with a turtle. And behold the world in pause.
”