Our founders, Chris and Amber Rodriguez, bonded quickly over their passion for reptiles and providing them the best care possible. In fact it was a tiny species of Brookesia chameleon that brought them together while working at the Los Angeles Zoo. Today they care for a wide range of turtle and tortoise species including critically endangered radiated tortoises, Burmese star tortoises, and the giant Galapagos tortoises. Together they are a power couple on a mission to prevent extinction of turtles and tortoises while improving their standards of care in captivity.

With a combined 40+ years of reptile experience backed by their education in biology, environmental science, animal care and husbandry, and veterinary technology they are a dynamic duo.

While caring for endangered turtles and tortoises, as well as traveling around the world to observe them in their native habitats, our founders quickly realized the need for an enhanced understanding of these wild animals to improve the care of those in captivity and species survival breeding programs.

Knowing this is no simple feat they established Carapace Conservation with a multifaceted approach which combines research, animal care, and public education of turtles and tortoises.