News & Events

Alice, Who Likes Turtles

Our passion for turtle conservation reaches across generations and borders, inspiring people of all ages to take action. One recent story stands out—meet Alice, age 11, a young turtle enthusiast whose love for these remarkable animals has made a real impact.

Alice was one of the avid readers of the bestselling book, Of Time And Turtles, by Sy Montgomery, and The Book of Turtles, a children’s book by Sy, and illustrated by Matt Patterson. Sy visited Turtle Survival Alliance’s Turtle Survival Center for a chapter in Of Time And Turtles, and we have been receiving support from new turtle lovers ever since, including from Alice. 

Inspired, Alice decided to run a fundraiser to support turtle conservation. She sold turtle-shaped cookies, and made leaflets about two species of turtles: the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), and the Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata), both of which are turtle species that benefit from our conservation work. Her efforts raised $300, which she generously donated to Turtle Survival Alliance and the Turtle Rescue League.

Alice’s story is a beautiful reminder of how one person’s passion can inspire a ripple of change. Sy and Matt’s work has reached thousands of readers, sparking the dedication of young conservationists like Alice. Her efforts show that every gesture, no matter the size, can make a huge difference for turtles.

Thank you, Alice—and to everyone inspired by her story, we invite you to join us in making a difference. After all, as Alice herself signs her emails, she’s “Alice, who likes turtles.”

These are the pamphlets that Alice made for her fundraiser. Her face has been covered by request.