ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM ON THE
Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles
Each year, the Turtle Survival Alliance joins with the IUCN SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group to host the Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles. The most esteemed global event of its kind, the Symposium provides an unmatched opportunity for those in our field to share their research, initiatives, techniques, and accomplishments.
ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM ON THE
Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles
Each year, the Turtle Survival Alliance joins with the IUCN SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group to host the Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles. The most esteemed global event of its kind, the Symposium provides an unmatched opportunity for those in our field to share their research, initiatives, techniques, and accomplishments.
Turtle Survival Alliance
24th Annual Symposium August 3-6, 2026 Guadalajara, Mexico
From August 3–6, 2026, the global chelonian conservation community came together in Guadalajara, México, for our first internationally-held Symposium. The 24th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles was hosted by Turtle Survival Alliance and the IUCN SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, alongside this year’s host partner, the Guadalajara Zoo.
Under the theme ¡Que vivan las tortugas! (“Long live the turtles!”), more than 120 presentations from 22 countries brought researchers, conservationists, students, and wildlife professionals together to share knowledge, strengthen collaborations, and build new partnerships for the future of turtle and tortoise conservation.
From hands-on workshops and mentorship opportunities to Zoo Day at México’s leading zoological institution, the Guadalajara Zoo, the event offered opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate the people and progress that are moving chelonian conservation forward.
We are grateful to the following individuals and organizations, listed in alphabetical order, who made this event a success: Kristin Berry, Dallas Zoo, Desert Tortoise Council, Chelonian Research Foundation, Guangdong Juliu Pet Product Co., Ltd., John Iverson, Little Ray’s Exhibitions, Anders Rhodin, Robert and Tally Sinclair, Sonotronics, Brett Stearns, SWCA Environmental Consultants, Reid Taylor, Turtle Conservancy, Douglas F. Trainor, and two anonymous foundations.
We also extend our gratitude to our keynote speaker Oscar Flores-Villela and featured presenter Vivek Menon, as well as all of the presenters, workshop leaders, volunteers, attendees, and everyone who contributed to making this Symposium such a memorable one.
Congratulations to this year’s Behler and Pritchard Turtle Conservation Award recipients and Student Award winners, whose contributions continue to inspire the chelonian conservation community.
Read our blog for the full details.
