Desert Tortoise Adoption Program

AZGFD Sonoran Desert Tortoise Adoption Program

The Sonoran Desert Tortoise Adoption Program maintains a desert tortoise adoption facility and each year, adopts out hundreds of captive desert tortoises that cannot be released back into the wild. Almost all of the desert tortoises we receive into the program are surrendered pet tortoises that people can no longer care for.  We also receive many tortoises due to illegal breeding and hoarding cases. The tortoises hibernate in the cooler months, so the majority of the volunteer work for this program occurs March through October. 

The Desert Tortoise Adoption Program Volunteer position involves feeding the tortoises in the program, giving them exercise, TLC, and cleaning their enclosures. The volunteer position will work out of the Phoenix Headquarters office. This is an outdoor program. Due to the heat of the summer, hours are in the morning and could require the volunteer to be outside in extreme heat. Due to the nature of the position, and the training involved, we are looking for volunteers that can commit to volunteering weekly throughout the season. 

Interested in volunteering with the Desert Tortoise Adoption Program? Complete and submit the online application form. Once your online application is complete, Wildlife Center staff will be notified. 

Desert Tortoise Adoption Program Volunteer Application