Hello, turtle lovers!

It's Susan from American Tortoise Rescue, and the holiday season is fast approaching. With Black Friday closing in, we've curated a list of fantastic deals and heartwarming gifts for the turtle and tortoise lovers in your life. Whether you're looking to keep an eye on your outdoor shelled friends, want to keep your favorite turtle moments close, or give the perfect turtle gift, we've got something special for everyone. And the best part? Not only will you get a great deal, when you start here to shop deals on Amazon, you'll be supporting our work at the same time!

​**We'll be updating this list as new deals get published!**

Outdoor Security Systems for Your Shelled Pals
For those of us with outdoor habitats for our turtles and tortoises, security is paramount. This Black Friday, there are great Amazon deals on security systems that can link to your smartphone. These gadgets not only offer peace of mind but also ensure the safety of your shelled friends during their hibernation or while they bask in the sun.

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Stuffed Turtle Toys: Cuddles for Everyone
Who doesn't love a soft, cuddly friend? Stuffed turtle toys are a perfect gift for both the young and the young at heart. Check out these deals on plush turtles and tortoises that make for huggable companions on cold winter nights.

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Infant Turtle Toys: Starting the Love Early
It's never too early to introduce the little ones to the joys of turtles and tortoises. Educational toys are expected to be a big hit this Black Friday. Look for toys that are safe for infants, encourage sensory development, and are just plain cute!

A better future in sight: Save the Tortoise frames from Glasses USA!
buy a pair of glasses or shades from the "Save the Tortoise" special collection and a portion of the proceeds gets donated back to support our work! Win-win. (Yes, these are in tortoise shell design...but no tortoises were involved or harmed in the process!)

​American Tortoise Rescue Gear!
Don’t forget, shopping from our own range of merchandise is a direct way to support our rescue efforts. And we've got brand new gear just released! 

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Before I sign off, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you who have supported American Tortoise Rescue over the years. Your purchases and donations make a real difference in the lives of these amazing animals. So, as you scour the internet for the best deals this Black Friday, remember that the greatest gift you can give is love and protection to all creatures, great and small.

Happy holidays and happy shopping!
Tortally yours, Susan Tellem

Most of you are seeing your turtles and tortoises become less active and reducing their food intake as the weather gets cooler. All of ours do this in the sanctuary, pond and turtle hospital. Hibernation is slowing them down, as food bills get smaller. If you have turtles in a tank, even they are feeling sleepy, and should be allowed to hibernate in their tanks as well. 

If your turtles live outside all year, you need to provide a suitable place so they are safe from predators. Best to leave them outside in a safe, dry shelter if that’s where they live anyway. If you cannot provide a safe outdoor area, they can be moved to the house, in a cold room. Put them in a tall box with a lid, safe from curious pets like dogs and cats (and small kids). The garage temperature and moisture is ideal, but make sure there are no rats or other creatures that can harm your turtles or tortoises. Some like to go under the bed to snooze while others like your shower.

Turtles and tortoises from tropical climates do not hibernate, as there is no need to do so. That’s fine in their country of origin, but you need to provide additional care, food and warmth throughout the winter. Some will slow down, but best to continue their normal care and feeding. Leave them outside in heated houses (we use Kane Heat Pads for safety as heat lamps can catch fire). We add doors to the shelter for warmth. It is important to note that even turtles and tortoises that do not hibernate may need to be kept indoors during the winter months, especially in climates with very cold temperatures. If you choose to keep your turtle or tortoise indoors, be sure to provide them with a warm and humid environment. Hard to do this with a 100 pound sulcata! 

Turtles in ponds hibernate underwater as mine do. The same turtles that I have had for 25 years, still do this every fall. They even survived the fire underwater as they were hibernating when we lost our home. A turtle friend of mine in New York said her pond had five feet of rock hard ice, but when spring came, the turtles were all fine! They are truly amazing!

Some popular tortoises that do not hibernate include:

• Sulcata tortoise 
• Leopard tortoise 
• Red-footed tortoise 
• Yellow-footed tortoise 
• Radiated tortoise 
• Egyptian tortoise 
• Golden Greek tortoise 
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If you are unsure whether or not your turtle or tortoise hibernates, it is best to consult with your local exotic veterinarian.
Thanks for reading this, and send questions to info@tortoise.com!

The future of turtles and tortoises that have graced our planet for millions of years is more at risk today than ever before. Already, 61 percent of turtles and tortoise species are extinct or in danger of extinction. As founder of American Tortoise Rescue and World Turtle Day®, I've been devoted to protecting and advocating for these magnificent creatures for decades. We, along with our fellow sanctuaries, are sounding an alarm internationally, and we need your help.
Picture this: the landscapes we know today, the ecosystems where turtles and tortoises thrive, are facing unprecedented challenges. Climate change is altering turtle habitats at an alarming pace. Rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns disrupt nesting and feeding grounds affecting their survival and breeding cycles.
Destructive practices and habitat loss due to urbanization, pollution, and deforestation are pushing our shelled friends to the brink, threatening their existence.
The cruel pet trade, fueled by ignorance and greed, is driving species to the brink of extinction. After surviving an asteroid that few other species did millions of years ago, we must fight for those without a voice. Let’s use our passion and compassion to protect turtles and tortoises before it is too late. 
Here's how you can make a difference and ensure turtles and tortoises don't become extinct as experts predict by 2050:

1. Educate: Help us spread awareness about the challenges that turtles and tortoises face. Reach out to schools, communities, and online platforms to share the stories we will provide over the next few months on our website and social media. 
2. Advocate: Support legislation that protects turtles and tortoises from habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade. You can google these terms to find organizations in your state. As an example, California imports thousands of turtles taken from the wild, perhaps even in your state, for the pet trade and live food markets. 
3. Rescue and Rehabilitate: Organizations like American Tortoise Rescue have 30 years dedicated to rescuing and rehoming turtles and tortoises in need. Support our efforts and those of the many turtle rescues throughout the world that provide adoption. Adopt don’t buy turtles.
4. Conserve Habitats: Participate in conservation projects aimed at protecting the habitats these creatures call home. Whether it's coastal cleanups or protesting development on land where turtles have lived for years.
   
   

Remember, it's not just about saving turtles and tortoises. It's about preserving the intricate web of life on our planet, acknowledging that every species has a role to play. Our choices today will shape the world these creatures inherit tomorrow.
Join with me before it is too late. I need your help.
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Susan Tellem
​Founder, American Tortoise Rescue

Read this to help your baby water turtle live a healthy and happy life. They should not be purchased as it is illegal to sell them anywhere in the states if they are under four inches. You cannot give them away as prizes either.

Baby Water Turtle Care
Water turtles can live 50 or more years if treated properly and eventually moved to an o outdoor pond.

Read this to help your baby water turtle live a healthy and happy life.

1. Housing

1. An aquarium or even Tupperware are fine for baby turtles but make sure it is large enough and that wall are 4-5 inches high. Do not use sand/gravel on the bottom because turtles do eat this stuff and it can cause an impaction (inability to poop) or death. .
2. Fill the tank or Tupperware with several inches of tepid water and a fake log to bask on with real sun and a Kane heat pad underbeith. Your turtle should remain healthy until he is large enough (two to three years) and can be placed outside in a private pond in late spring. You cannot release a captive turtle back into the wild..

1. Feeding
   1. Baby turtles are mostly carnivorous so feed them tiny worms, slugs, bugs, prepared food like Reptomin, tiny fish - it's a guessing game. Some nibble lettuce floating on water. Feed once a day.
2. Bits and Pieces

1. Turtles will carry disease. Do not keep them in filthy conditions or feed rotting food. Always wash your hands after handling them or changing the water.
2. When the weather is warm, place them outdoors in a kiddie pool filled a little less than half with water. Add some floating pieces of driftwood to climb as well as  and few water plants to hide under.  Add a screen on top if you have birds that might carry them off.
3. If the turtle must live indoors permanently, then position them in a Rubbermaid container near an open sunny window for sunshine, as turtles will get shell-rot and fungus if not exposed to direct sunlight.
   
   ​Questions? Email info@tortoise.com.