In 1990, Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson founded American Tortoise Rescue in Malibu, California, dedicating their lives to rescuing and rehabilitating turtles and tortoises.

What began as a small rescue operation has grown into a global movement. In 2000, they created World Turtle Day® to bring worldwide attention to turtle and tortoise conservation—and it's now celebrated in over 190 countries.

Their vision: a world where turtles and tortoises thrive in healthy habitats, protected by informed and passionate communities.