Tiny, elusive, and fighting for survival - Bog Turtles are one of North America’s most endangered reptiles. In this episode, host Wendy Montroy sits down with Raul Gonzalez to explore the fascinating and often stressful reality of working with bog turtles (Glyptemys muhlenbergii), a species few people ever encounter, let alone care for.

Raul shares his unexpected journey into bog turtle keeping, which began over a decade ago with a chance introduction to these remarkable turtles. What started as curiosity quickly became a long-term commitment, complete with legal hurdles, breeding challenges, and the responsibility that comes with caring for a federally protected species. Together, Wendy and Raul unpack why bog turtles are so rare in captivity, the strict regulations surrounding ownership, and how habitat loss remains their greatest threat in the wild.

The conversation dives into bog turtle natural history, wetland degradation, invasive plant species, and innovative conservation strategies like using grazing animals to restore habitat. Raul also offers firsthand insight into captive care, breeding limitations, diet, outdoor housing in warm climates, and why “too clean” water can actually cause health problems.

Throughout the episode, Wendy and Raul emphasize ethical sourcing, patience, and the importance of community within the small circle of bog turtle enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned keeper or simply curious about one of the most secretive turtles in North America, this episode highlights the complexity, responsibility, and reward of protecting a species on the brink.

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

Not a TTPG member yet? ⁠⁠Join us⁠⁠! The ⁠⁠Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group⁠⁠ is full of the kindest, most knowledgable and FUN turtle people on the planet!

Flippers, snouts, and a reputation as the “holy grail” of turtles - Fly River Turtles are unlike anything else in herpetoculture. In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, host Wendy Montroy sits down with longtime keeper Raul Gonzalez to explore the fascinating world of the Fly River Turtle, also known as the Pig-Nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta).

Raul shares how childhood dreams turned into hands-on experience with one of the most sought after aquatic turtles in the hobby. Together, they dive into what makes Fly River Turtles so unique: their almost fully aquatic lifestyle, rapid growth, surprising omnivorous diet, and the reality of housing large, powerful turtles long term.

The conversation also tackles common challenges, including sexing difficulties, male aggression, enclosure size, and the responsibility that comes with keeping a species impacted by habitat loss and poaching. Raul discusses ethical sourcing, CITES regulations, and his hope to see more responsible captive breeding in the U.S.

Whether you are Fly River Turtle-curious or already keeping one, this episode offers practical insight, honest perspectives, and a deeper appreciation for one of the most extraordinary turtles on the planet.

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

Not a TTPG member yet? ⁠Join us⁠! The ⁠Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group⁠ is full of the kindest, most knowledgable and FUN turtle people on the planet!

Breeding padlopers isn’t optional - it’s essential. In this episode, host Wendy Montroy sits down with Dirk Barnard to unpack what it really takes to breed parrot beak tortoises successfully.

Founder of Tortoise Conservation South Africa and a keynote speaker at the 2025 TTPG Conference, Dirk shares hard-won insights into why captive breeding is now inseparable from the survival of the common padloper. Together, they explore the challenges facing breeders worldwide, from limited genetic diversity and information-sharing barriers to the real risks of inbreeding.

Dirk dives deep into practical husbandry, including temperature cycling, diet, egg incubation, and hatchling care, while dispelling common assumptions that can sabotage breeding success. He also makes a compelling case for collaboration, calling for stud books and transparent breeding efforts to build sustainable populations.

This conversation is both a technical deep dive and a call to action for keepers, breeders, and conservation-minded listeners invested in the future of one of South Africa’s most threatened tortoises.

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

Dirk Barnard on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dirk.barnard

Tortoise Conservation South Africa

Not a TTPG member yet? Join us! The Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group is full of the kindest, most knowledgable and FUN turtle people on the planet!