14/08/2026
๐ข Speaker Spotlight: Chris & Casey Leone
USA | Founders of Garden State Tortoise
We are excited to welcome Chris and Casey Leone to the European Turtle Alliance Conference.
Together, Chris and Casey founded Garden State Tortoise (GST) in 2011, growing it into one of North Americaโs leading turtle and tortoise rescue, rehabilitation, sanctuary, and conservation education organisations. Based in New Jersey, GST provides lifelong care for reptiles while inspiring millions of people around the world to appreciate and protect chelonians through powerful digital storytelling.
Chris serves as Assistant Herpetologist for Herpetological Associates, Inc., while Casey, a former zookeeper, is the creative force behind Garden State Tortoiseโs filmmaking, serving as videographer and editor for all GST content.
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๐ค Their Talk:
Conservation Through Storytelling
Conservation doesnโt begin in the field. It begins by inspiring people to care.
Chris and Casey will explore how visual storytelling and social media have transformed Garden State Tortoise into a global conservation platform. Through documenting real rescues, rehabilitation efforts, scientific fieldwork, and responsible captive management, they have introduced millions of people to species they otherwise would never encounter.
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๐ Chris & Caseyโs Journey in Conservation & Preservation
๐น More than 30 years of hands on experience working with threatened turtles and tortoises.
๐น Founders of Garden State Tortoise, combining rescue, rehabilitation, sanctuary work, conservation breeding, and public education.
๐น Lead state conservation projects including the Terrapin Conservation Initiative, protecting northern diamondback terrapins.
๐น Provide refuge for displaced and confiscated turtles in partnership with state and federal agencies, accredited zoos, and wildlife rescue organisations.
๐น Collaborate with the Turtle Survival Alliance while maintaining important assurance colonies under naturalistic conditions.
๐น Reach millions of people worldwide through educational films and social media, using storytelling to inspire conservation action for some of the worldโs most threatened turtle and tortoise species.
Their presentation will explore how authentic storytelling can change perceptions, encourage responsible ownership, inspire future conservationists and create real conservation outcomes.
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17th & 18th October 2026
๐ Writtle University College
๐ CPD hours available
Come along and discover how a camera, a turtle and a good story can become powerful conservation tools. ๐ข๐ฅ
https://www.turtlesurvival.eu/european-turtle-alliance-conference-2026/
