From August 3–6, 2026, we, the Turtle Survival Alliance, together with our annual cohost, the IUCN SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, and this year’s host partner, the Guadalajara Zoo, hosted the 24th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles in Guadalajara, México. This year’s event marked a historic milestone as the first Annual Symposium held outside the United States. We brought together a global community of researchers, conservation practitioners, students, and wildlife professionals to celebrate progress in chelonian conservation, strengthen existing collaborations, and forge new partnerships for the future.
Held in México, a country recognized for its remarkable turtle diversity and growing conservation leadership, this year’s Symposium brought the global chelonian conservation community together around the theme, ¡Que vivan las tortugas! (“Long live the turtles!”).
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Guadalajara Zoo for graciously hosting the Icebreaker Social, providing meeting spaces for the workshops and plenary sessions, offering attendees behind-the-scenes opportunities to explore their world-class facility, and helping coordinate the many logistical details that made the symposium possible. Equally important to the success of this event were our generous sponsors and supporters. We are grateful to the following individuals and organizations, listed in alphabetical order: 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.
The Keynote Address, “From Exploration to Legacy: Charting México’s Extraordinary Herpetofauna,” was presented by renowned Mexican herpetologist Oscar Flores-Villela of the National Autonomous University of México. The featured presentation, “From Red Lists to Recovery,” was delivered by Vivek Menon, Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission, and highlighted the connection between global conservation assessments and effective species recovery efforts.
The scientific program featured more than 120 oral and poster presentations from students and professionals at all career stages, representing 22 countries. Host country Mexico was particularly well represented, with more than 40 presentations highlighting research and conservation efforts from across the country. Together, these contributions reflected the international scope and diversity of modern turtle and tortoise research and conservation. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, from species biology and ecology to conservation policy and applied management. Attendees also participated in six concurrent hands-on workshops led by experienced conservation professionals, providing opportunities to build practical skills and support the next generation of conservation research and practice.
Beyond the scientific sessions, attendees experienced Zoo Day at Guadalajara Zoo, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the institution’s conservation programs, animal care practices, and commitment to wildlife preservation. This special experience provided a unique opportunity to connect with the work of México’s leading zoological institution while gaining insight into the challenges and successes of modern conservation efforts.
The Symposium also provided opportunities for mentorship, networking, and professional development through events such as the Mentor Breakfast, where students and early-career professionals connected with experienced researchers, conservation leaders, and practitioners. This offering encouraged meaningful conversations, career guidance, and the exchange of ideas that help strengthen the future of the chelonian conservation community.
The 24th Annual Symposium concluded with the Awards Banquet, collectively honoring this year’s Behler and Pritchard Turtle Conservation Award recipients and applauding the efforts of the Student Award winners for Best Papers and Posters. The 21st annual Behler Turtle Conservation Award honors Sabine Schoppe for her outstanding contributions to freshwater turtle conservation in the Philippines. Unable to attend the ceremony, Sabine was represented by her longtime colleague, Diverlie Dela Cruz Acosta, who accepted the award on her behalf.
In addition to awarding the Behler Turtle Conservation Award, four exceptional leaders in turtle research and conservation were honored with the Pritchard Turtle Conservation Lifetime Achievement Award: Oscar Flores-Villela of México, Sue Carstairs of Canada, Jim Harding of the United States, and Frank Slavens of the United States. Their collective contributions to research, veterinary care, mentorship, conservation action, and captive management have helped shape the field and inspire the next generation of conservationists.
The Awards Banquet also honored the legacies of Jim Buskirk and Dawn Wilson, recipients of posthumous Turtle Conservation Appreciation Awards in recognition of their significant contributions to turtle research and conservation. The banquet also paid tribute to Ed Moll, recipient of the first Behler Turtle Conservation Award in 2006, who passed away just days before this year’s event.
This event celebrated both the extraordinary species we work to protect and the shared commitment that unites conservationists around the world. The Symposium fostered new partnerships, strengthened connections across Latin America and beyond, and left attendees energized to continue advancing turtle and tortoise conservation for generations to come.
We look forward to seeing you in 2027!
