Register for the CEA CAPA Team Project here!
Since 1988, it has been illegal to collect desert tortoises from the wild. Mojave and Sonoran desert tortoises are protected throughout Arizona, and it is illegal to breed desert tortoises and to release captive desert tortoises into the wild. To help prevent collection of wild tortoises and the release of captive Sonoran desert tortoises and introduction of disease to wild populations, AZGFD created the Sonoran Desert Tortoise Adoption Program. This program provides a place for desert tortoise owners to surrender their Sonoran desert tortoise if they can no longer care for them, and for those who might find a lost pet Sonoran desert tortoise.
We provide care for the tortoises and adopt them out to new homes throughout Arizona. We also educate our community about desert tortoises, their care, and the laws. We house hundreds of Sonoran desert tortoises at a time, we have a lot of enclosure maintenance that keeps us very busy. With help from your team, we can provide these Sonoran desert tortoises with more insulation for their burrows which will provide a more comfortable environment while they are with us.
Each enclosure has a burrow in it and each burrow needs the insulating dirt to be replenished to prevent the tortoise from getting too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter months. This project will entail shoveling dirt in and out of wheel barrows, spreading the dirt, crouching and bending since there is a roof above the enclosures. The tortoises are housed outdoors, so please wear appropriate clothing for outdoor work and come prepared with a hat and water. Sunscreen and close-toed shoes are highly recommended. This volunteer event is on April 3rd from 8am to 12pm. Once you sign up, you will receive more information about the location and logistics for the volunteer work day.
DIRECTIONS:
5000 W Carefree Hwy
Phoenix, AZ 85086
- Turn into Arizona Game and Fish Headquarters at the traffic light on Carefree Highway
- Turn right on Archery DriveYou will see the Wildlife Center on your right, park in any open spots (overflow lot is across the street)
- Text Tegan at (480) 694-8395 when you arrive, and we will meet you at the gate on the north side of the building (near the Tortoise Adoption Banner)
