Join us as we talk to Jason and Tara Troxell of Arctic Reptile Ranch about life with Galapagos tortoises. We'll talk about how they ended up on the islands to begin with (hint, it's not island gigantism!) and earned the nickname "Galap-holes". We go beyond the standard nature documentary fare to dig into what life with these magnificent animals is truly like. It’s a story that begins in an unlikely place, finding Galaps in Alaska.

Beyond their personal journey, we dive deep into the natural history of the species and exploring how humans drove giant tortoises to extinction in nearly every other part of the world. Jason and Tara also provide a sobering look at captive care, from the immense costs of veterinary treatment (sometimes the price of a car) to the reality of caring for animals you can't physically move on your own. Whether you are a dreamer or a future keeper, this episode covers the legality, logistics, and heavy lifting required to keep these surprisingly intelligent, sensitive giants.

Chapters

0:28 Introduction to Galapagos Tortoises

3:29 Jason and Tara's Journey into Tortoise Keeping

4:03 Natural History of Galapagos Tortoises

10:48 Human Impact and Conservation Challenges

21:57 Legalities of Keeping Galapagos Tortoises

26:57 Captive Care and Husbandry

38:15 Feeding and Nutritional Needs

42:46 Behavioral Insights and Social Dynamics

52:49 The Cost of Keeping Galapagos Tortoises

1:03:34 Reflections on Tortoise Intelligence and Care

1:10:39 Conclusion and Resources for Further Learning

References

Gaughran, S. J., Gray, R., Ochoa, A., Jones, M., Fusco, N., Miller, J. M., Poulakakis, N., de Queiroz, K., Caccone, A., & Jensen, E. L. (2024). Whole-genome sequencing confirms multiple species of Galapagos giant tortoises. Evolution, Volume 79, Issue 2, February 2025, Pages 296–308

Gibbs, J. P., Cayot, L. J., & Tapia A, W. (2020). Galapagos Giant Tortoises (Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes). Academic Press.

Kehlmaier, C., Barlow, A., Hastings, A. K., Vamberger, M., Paijmans, J. L., Steadman, D. W., Albury, N. A., Franz, R., Hofreiter, M., & Fritz, U. (2017). Tropical ancient DNA reveals relationships of the extinct Bahamian giant tortoise Chelonoidis alburyorum. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 284: 20162235

Lichtig, A. & Lucas, S. (2015). Turtles of the lower Eocene San Jose formation, San Juan basin, New Mexico. New Mexico Museum of Natural History Bulletin. 161.

Orenstein, R.(2012). Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins: A Natural History. Firefly Books

Rhodin, A., Thomson, S., Georgalis, G., . Hans-Volker, K., Danilov, I., Takahashi, A., de la Fuente, M., Bourque, J., Delfino, M., Bour, R., Iverson, J., Shaffer, H.B., & van Dijk, P. P. (2015). Turtles and Tortoises of the World During the Rise and Global Spread of Humanity: First Checklist and Review of Extinct Pleistocene and Holocene Chelonians. Chelonian Research Monographs. 5. 1-66.

Sadeghayobi, E., Blake, S., Wikelski, M., Gibbs, J., Mackie, R., & Cabrera, F.. (2011). Digesta retention time in the Galapagos tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part A. 160. 493-7.

Vlachos, E, and Rabi, M. (2018). Total Evidence Analysis and Body Size Evolution of Extant and Extinct Tortoises (Testudines: Cryptodira: Pan-Testudinidae). Cladistics 34(6): 652–683.

Wiesner, C, & Iben, C. (2003). Influence of environmental humidity and dietry protein on pyramidal growth of carapaces in African spurred tortoises (Geochelone Sulcata). Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 87. 66-74.

Wendy sits down with long-time keeper and founding member of the Kleinmanni Assurance Project (KAP), Ralph Till, for a deep dive into breeding the critically endangered Egyptian tortoise. Ralph shares decades of hands-on experience, including ideal female size and age, seasonal breeding behaviors, how to set up reliable nest boxes, incubation best practices, and what to expect from hatchlings during their first fragile month of life.

They also explore the origins and goals of KAP - an initiative built to establish genetically diverse assurance colonies across the United States following the ESA regulation changes. Ralph explains how KAP places animals, why meticulous record-keeping matters, and what it really takes for new keepers to responsibly join the effort.

If you’re interested in working with Egyptian tortoises, or just want a rare behind-the-scenes look at conservation-minded captive breeding, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Chapters

0:04 - Breeding Egyptian Tortoises

1:08 - Maturity and Egg Laying

2:46 - Breeding Season in Captivity

4:13 - Egg Incubation Techniques

8:11 - Hatchling Care

10:29 - Transitioning to Adult Care

11:52 - Getting Started with Breeding

16:16 - The Kleinmanni Assurance Project

20:35 - Advice for New Keepers

23:05 - Importance of Genetic Diversity

27:35 - Building a Supportive Community

For more info:

TTPG Group Discussion on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TTPGGroup/

Kleinmanni Assurance Project (KAP)
https://www.kleinmanniassuranceproject.com/

Turtle & Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG)
https://ttpg.org/

Ever wondered how to care for one of the world’s smallest and rarest tortoises? Join Wendy Montroy and Ralph Till as they dive deep into the hidden world of Egyptian tortoises (Testudo kleinmanni), exploring what makes them so fragile, fascinating, and vital to save.

In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, host Wendy Montroy talks with lifelong TTPG member and Kleinmanni Assurance Project founder Ralph Till about the rare and critically endangered Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)—the world’s smallest tortoise species.

Ralph shares his nearly two decades of experience breeding these fragile desert reptiles, discussing their unique habitat, diet, humidity cycles, and conservation challenges. Learn how wild populations have vanished from Egypt and Israel, why ESA regulations complicate captive breeding in the U.S., and what dedicated keepers can do to support the species’ survival.

If you’ve ever wondered how to care for, breed, or conserve Egyptian tortoises, this episode is a must-listen for serious herp enthusiasts.

Have questions? You can find Wendy and Ralph on the TTPG Group Discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TTPGGroup

Kleinmanni Assurance Project: https://www.kleinmanniassuranceproject.com/

Learn more: ttpg.org

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Ralph Till & The Kleinmanni Assurance Project

01:32 – What Makes Egyptian Tortoises So Unique

03:18 – Tiny Tortoises, Big Challenges: Breeding in Captivity

06:42 – Habitat Insights: From Coastal Humidity to Desert Sand

09:15 – Understanding Their Diet and Daily Routine

11:40 – Why Egyptian Tortoises Aren’t for Beginners

14:02 – ESA Regulations and the Breeder’s Dilemma

17:25 – Building a Self-Sustaining Captive Population

20:10 – Advice for Keepers: Starting with Hardier Species

22:40 – The Future of Testudo kleinmanni Conservation

25:10 – Closing Thoughts: Hope for the World’s Smallest Tortoise