{"id":501,"date":"2018-07-23T17:31:43","date_gmt":"2018-07-23T15:31:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/?page_id=501"},"modified":"2026-01-07T17:32:54","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T16:32:54","slug":"who-are-we","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/en\/who-are-we\/","title":{"rendered":"Who are we ?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling display-none\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-right:0px;--awb-padding-bottom:30px;--awb-padding-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-image-element in-legacy-container\" style=\"--awb-max-width:100%;--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ban-equipe2.jpg\" alt class=\"img-responsive\"\/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:66.666666666667%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:2.88%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:2.88%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><p align=\"justify\">Turtle Sanctuary is a N.G.O, born from a passion for Nature, wildlife ans especially turtles.<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">The organization was founded in 2017 and carried out its first projects, supported by zoologists, veterinarians, researchers and enthusiasts from around the world.<br \/>\nBased in France, Turtle Sanctuary is currently setting up in Asia; it helps local stakeholders to protect a large number of threatened species. Its purpose is to combine all efforts and to make common cause for the preservation of biodiversity.<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">It is the observation of turtles in the wild and in different breeding conditions for 20 years which makes it possible to draw an alarming report: despite the efforts made by various organizations to ensure the survival of the most endangered species, the decline of chelonians in the wild is accelerating inexorably.<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">Turtle Sanctuary undertakes various actions for the benefit of the animal cause. If its missions are currently focused on turtle conservation, it aims to support more widely any project in favor of biodiversity. The association is committed to bringing together the largest number of recognized biologists around chelonians conservation projects in an ecozone scale. With scientific research playing a key role in its programs, Turtle Sanctuary organizes and participates in numerous international meetings to optimize the scope of its actions. With its network of renowned specialists, the association leads new conservation programs and scientific missions in Viet Nam.<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">We live in a pivotal time, where the slightest gesture in favor of Nature becomes essential.<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">So follow us !<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_3 1_3 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:33.333333333333%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:5.76%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:5.76%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-video fusion-youtube\" style=\"--awb-max-width:600px;--awb-max-height:360px;--awb-align-self:center;--awb-width:100%;\"><div class=\"video-shortcode\"><div class=\"fluid-width-video-wrapper\" style=\"padding-top:60%;\" ><iframe title=\"YouTube video player 1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZCHidTdYO0k?wmode=transparent&autoplay=0\" width=\"600\" height=\"360\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-margin-top:0px;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-3 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last padding-page\" style=\"--awb-bg-color:#ffffff;--awb-bg-color-hover:#ffffff;--awb-bg-position:center center;--awb-bg-size:cover;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-title-center fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-one titre\" style=\"--awb-sep-color:#0a0808;\"><div class=\"title-sep-container title-sep-container-left\"><div class=\"title-sep sep-single sep-solid\" style=\"border-color:#0a0808;\"><\/div><\/div><span class=\"awb-title-spacer\"><\/span><h1 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-center fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:34;line-height:1.4;\">OUR TEAM<\/h1><span class=\"awb-title-spacer\"><\/span><div class=\"title-sep-container title-sep-container-right\"><div class=\"title-sep sep-single sep-solid\" style=\"border-color:#0a0808;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-2 sep-underline sep-solid fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-one titre-equipe\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:50px;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-sep-color:#0a0808;\" id=\"benjamin\"><h1 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:34;line-height:1.4;\">Benjamin LEPRINCE <span class=\"titre-secondaire\">President<\/span><\/h1><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2 equipe\"><div class=\"bloc-person-researchgate\">\n<div class=\"photo-equipe\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-390 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Benjamin-300-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Benjamin-300-1-66x66.jpg 66w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Benjamin-300-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Benjamin-300-1-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Benjamin-300-1.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"researchgate\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Benjamin_Leprince2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-150 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Researchgate.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"177\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"texte-equipe\">\n<p>Benjamin, of French nationality, is the founder of our association. His interest for turtles goes back to his childhood.For more than 20 years, he has been working around conservation networks and international associations in relation with turtles. For several years now, he has put his energy and his passion at the service of the most vulnerable species around the world, convinced for a long time that it is urgent to federate the greatest number of enthusiasts, specialists and associations of defense to act jointly and in the general interest.<\/p>\n<p>His french keeping and breeding licence covers almost all species of chelonians.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-3 sep-underline sep-solid fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-one titre-equipe\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:50px;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-sep-color:#0a0808;\" id=\"luca\"><h1 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:34;line-height:1.4;\">Luca LUISELLI <span class=\"titre-secondaire\">Scientific Director<\/span><\/h1><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3 equipe\"><div class=\"bloc-person-researchgate\">\n<div class=\"photo-equipe\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-393 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Luca-300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Luca-300-66x66.jpg 66w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Luca-300-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Luca-300-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Luca-300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"researchgate\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Luca_Luiselli2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-150 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Researchgate.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"177\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"texte-equipe\">Luca, of Italian and Nigerian nationalities, is a tropical community ecologist working primarily on the ecology and conservation of snakes and chelonians in Nigeria, Togo, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Niger, South Sudan and Uganda. His research focuses on a interdisciplinary holistic approach for studying: population dynamics, community structure and species\u2019 interactions in West African ecosystems; Ebola ecology; mammals communities and bushmeat trade; and rodent macroecology.As a professor of ecology, he also teaches and gives lectures at the University Roma Tre (Italy), at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt (Nigeria) and at the Universit\u00e9 de Lom\u00e9 (Togo). He is the Chair for Africa of the IUCN\/SSC Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles Specialist Group, and has been awarded with over 20 international grant programs for scientific excellence in biology. With over17000 citations and H = 59, he is one of the most highly cited ecologists worldwide. In 2025, Luca was awarded the prestigious Ig Nobel Prize in Biology.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-4 sep-underline sep-solid fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-one titre-equipe\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:50px;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-sep-color:#0a0808;\" id=\"olivier\"><h1 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:34;line-height:1.4;\">Olivier LE DUC <span class=\"titre-secondaire\">Project manager<\/span><\/h1><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4 equipe\"><div class=\"bloc-person-researchgate\">\n<div class=\"photo-equipe\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1190 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Olivier2-300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Olivier2-300-66x66.jpg 66w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Olivier2-300-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Olivier2-300-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Olivier2-300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"researchgate\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Olivier_Le_Duc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-150 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Researchgate.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"177\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"texte-equipe\">\n<p>Driven by his passion for wildlife and natural environments, Olivier has been traveling the world for many years. Holder of several capacity certificates covering a wide range of wild species, he has held highly diverse positions: manager of breeding centers, consultant, trainer in reptile handling techniques, and tour guide in the Komodo archipelago.<\/p>\n<p>With three decades of experience in the animal sector, he has put his expertise to work in establishing several reptile breeding facilities in different countries.<\/p>\n<p>Since 2018, Olivier has dedicated himself fully to species conservation and ecology, grounded in a rigorous scientific approach. Drawing on strong operational experience, he leads Turtle Sanctuary\u2019s field missions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-5 sep-underline sep-solid fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-one titre-equipe\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:50px;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-sep-color:#0a0808;\" id=\"pearson\"><h1 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:34;line-height:1.4;\">Pearson McGOVERN <span class=\"titre-secondaire\">Wildlife Ecologist<\/span><\/h1><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5 equipe\"><div class=\"bloc-person-researchgate\">\n<div class=\"photo-equipe\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-393 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Photo-Pearson-300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"researchgate\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Pearson-Mcgovern\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-150 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Researchgate.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"177\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"texte-equipe\">\n<p>Pearson grew up in Poland and the United States and has travelled and worked internationally ever since. For the last 10 years, Pearson has been gaining research experience, primarily with herpetofauna, but also with primates and small mammals. Most recently he has been working as a research biologist for the African Chelonian Institute in West Africa focusing on applied conservation and community engagement in chelonian research.<\/p>\n<p>Since earning his masters degree focused on the effectiveness of head-starting the federally threatened Mojave desert tortoise, Pearson has continued to also work in monitoring the success of this long-term effort. Pearson recently joined the IUCNs Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group and became a board member at Reserva: The Youth Land Trust while also aiding Reserva\u2019s scientific efforts through herpetological research at Dracula Reserve in the Ecuadorian Choc\u00f3.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-6 sep-underline sep-solid fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-one titre-equipe\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:50px;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-sep-color:#0a0808;\" id=\"lauren\"><h1 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:34;line-height:1.4;\">Lauren DE NARDI <span class=\"titre-secondaire\">Master of ethology<\/span><\/h1><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6 equipe\"><div class=\"bloc-person-researchgate\">\n<div class=\"photo-equipe\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2783 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Lauren-300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"researchgate\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Lauren-De-Nardi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-150 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Researchgate.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"177\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"texte-equipe\">\n<p>Driven by a passion for travel, culture, and wildlife, Lauren has shaped her career around an unconventional dual expertise. Her academic background, combining a Bachelor\u2019s degree in Psychology and a Master\u2019s degree in Ethology, has enabled her to develop strong scientific research skills and an in-depth understanding of the social sciences and biology. This interdisciplinary approach allows her to place humans and societal dynamics at the heart of biodiversity conservation projects.<\/p>\n<p>Lauren has applied her knowledge in the field around the world, contributing to ex situ conservation efforts (Cambodia, Vietnam) and leading in situ research projects (Thailand, Egypt, Mexico) focused on critically endangered species. Over the course of these missions, she has worked with a wide variety of taxa, including birds (<em>Houbaropsis bengalensis<\/em>), terrestrial and marine mammals (<em>Arctictis binturong<\/em>, <em>douc langur spp.<\/em>, <em>Stenella longirostris<\/em>), and reptiles, particularly turtles (<em>Batagur affinis<\/em> and <em>Dermatemys mawii<\/em>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-7 sep-underline sep-solid fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-one titre-equipe\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:50px;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-sep-color:#0a0808;\" id=\"charlotte\"><h1 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:34;line-height:1.4;\">Charlotte DUCOTTERD <span class=\"titre-secondaire\">Wildlife ecologist<\/span><\/h1><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7 equipe\"><div class=\"bloc-person-researchgate\">\n<div class=\"photo-equipe\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2070 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Charlotte-300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Charlotte-300-66x66.jpg 66w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Charlotte-300-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Charlotte-300-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Charlotte-300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"researchgate\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Charlotte_Ducotterd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-150 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Researchgate.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"177\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"texte-equipe\">\n<p>Charlotte grew up around tortoises, turtles and nature. It is natural that she decided to carry out biology studies at the University and got involved in the conservation of these animals, thanks to the Emys Center of the Association \u201cProtection et R\u00e9cup\u00e9ration des Tortues\u201d in Switzerland (association created in 1994 by her parents and Jean Garzoni).<\/p>\n<p>Since the age of 11, she has been working with Project Emys for the protection and reintroduction of the European pond turtle, which is the only native freshwater turtle of Switzerland. She is still studying its ecology for her PhD at the University of Lausanne.<\/p>\n<p>This passion has also pushed her to travel around the world to meet other person interested in turtles and thus to exchange ecology and conservation knowledges.<\/p>\n<p>As an ecologist, she joined the Turtle Sanctuary Scientific Committee in 2019 and participated in the development and application of field studies and scientific research.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-8 sep-underline sep-solid fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-one titre-equipe\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:50px;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-sep-color:#0a0808;\" id=\"tomas\"><h1 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:34;line-height:1.4;\">Tomas ZUKLIN <span class=\"titre-secondaire\">Socio-legal adviser<\/span><\/h1><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8 equipe\"><div class=\"bloc-person-researchgate\">\n<div class=\"photo-equipe\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1722 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Tomas-300-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Tomas-300-1-66x66.jpg 66w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Tomas-300-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Tomas-300-1-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Tomas-300-1.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"researchgate\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Tomas_Zuklin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-150 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Researchgate.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"177\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"texte-equipe\">\n<p>Tomas is a native of Czech Republic, but many years ago he tied his life to Asia. He is originally a lawyer by training, but after working in private sector, he gradually started to shift into academia and focus on transnational environmental issues. Tomas tries to integrate aspects from legal and social research together with environmental protection studies. Apart from his engagement at the Turtle Sanctuary, Tomas is also active university lecturer and conducts research in the cross-cutting field of management of coastal areas with special emphasis on social interactions and access to environmental justice for both humans and nature itself.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-9 sep-underline sep-solid fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-one titre-equipe\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:50px;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-sep-color:#0a0808;\" id=\"olivier-m\"><h1 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:34;line-height:1.4;\">Olivier MARQUIS <span class=\"titre-secondaire\">Member of the advisory committee<\/span><\/h1><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9 equipe\"><div class=\"bloc-person-researchgate\">\n<div class=\"photo-equipe\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2198 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/OlivierM.png\" alt=\"Olivier Marquis\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/OlivierM-66x66.png 66w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/OlivierM-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/OlivierM-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/OlivierM.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"researchgate\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Olivier_Marquis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-150 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Researchgate.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"177\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"texte-equipe\">\n<p>A biologist by training, Olivier did his doctorate on the local adaptations of amphibians to ultraviolet light at high altitude and a post-doctorate on the evolution of the history traits of lizards.<\/p>\n<p>In 2008 Olivier left the university environment to devote himself to training by creating and directing the training center in herpetology and terrariophilia at La Ferme Tropicale.<\/p>\n<p>In 2013 he left the training center to become the scientific manager of reptiles, amphibians and arthropods in the Paris Zoological Park where he still performs this function today.<\/p>\n<p>Since the Paris Zoological Park is an establishment of the National Museum of Natural History, Olivier&#8217;s function allows him, in addition to supervising the zootechnical aspects of zoo species, to be able to devote part of his working time to activities of in-situ and ex-situ research and conservation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-10 sep-underline sep-solid fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-one titre-equipe\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:50px;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-sep-color:#0a0808;\" id=\"lionel\"><h1 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:34;line-height:1.4;\">Lionel SCHILLIGER <span class=\"titre-secondaire\">Veterinary advisor<\/span><\/h1><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10 equipe\"><div class=\"bloc-person-researchgate\">\n<div class=\"photo-equipe\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-817 size-full alignleft\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Lionel-300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Lionel-300-66x66.jpg 66w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Lionel-300-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Lionel-300-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Lionel-300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"texte-equipe\">\n<p>Lionel Schilliger (DVM, Dip. E.C.Z.M (Herpetology)), of French nationality, who own the title of Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (reptile-amphibiens), has always been passionate with reptiles, these &#8220;pets with scales&#8221; which he especially love. Since the obtention of his degree in 1989, he is devoted to herpetological medicine and surgery and is currently a graduate of the European College of Zoological Medicine.<\/p>\n<p>He is a veterinary practitioner, consultant &#8220;dogs-cats-reptiles&#8221;, and practices in Paris.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-11 sep-underline sep-solid fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-one titre-equipe\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:50px;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-sep-color:#0a0808;\" id=\"florian\"><h1 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:34;line-height:1.4;\">Florian DENIS <span class=\"titre-secondaire\">Webmaster<\/span><\/h1><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-11 equipe\"><div class=\"bloc-person-researchgate\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"photo-equipe\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-455 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Florian-300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Florian-300-66x66.jpg 66w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Florian-300-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Florian-300-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Florian-300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"texte-equipe\">\n<p>Passionate about reptiles and arthropods since childhood, Florian initially worked for nearly 10 years at the pet store La Ferme Tropicale, managing their various web activities and online communication. He then returned to another passion, the web, working for several major e-commerce companies before joining the team at Repti Conseils &amp; Formations, a training organization specializing in the animal sector.<\/p>\n<p>Today, Florian combines his work as a community manager for zoos with that of a professional nature photographer for several photo agencies and naturalist organizations.<\/p>\n<p>It is with this combined experience in web development and the animal world that Florian joined the Turtle Sanctuary team in July 2018 to manage their website.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-12 sep-underline sep-solid fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-one titre-equipe\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:50px;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-sep-color:#0a0808;\" id=\"thong\"><h1 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:34;line-height:1.4;\">Thong PHAM VAN <span class=\"titre-secondaire\">Historical collaborator<\/span><\/h1><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-12 equipe\"><div class=\"bloc-person-researchgate\">\n<div class=\"photo-equipe\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-260 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Thong-300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Thong-300-66x66.jpg 66w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Thong-300-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Thong-300-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Thong-300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"researchgate\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Pham_Thong4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-150 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Researchgate.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"177\" height=\"177\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"texte-equipe\">\n<p>Of Vietnamese nationality, before joining Turtle Sanctuary in January 2018, Thong has worked for Asian Turtle Program (ATP) in Vietnam for 8 years. During the working time with ATP, Thong was in-charge of several important projects such as research and conservation of the rarest turtle of the world (the Hoan Kiem turtle (<em>Rafetus swinhoei<\/em>), and the turtle of \u201cnowhere\u201d Zhou\u2019s box turtle (<em>Cuora zhoui<\/em>)). Beside, Thong is not only having field research skills but he also has skills on communication and training. He joined several training courses as a trainer for students (Vietnamese and international), rangers, environment police officers and so on.<\/p>\n<p>Currently, Thong has joined the Turtle Sanctuary as a field researcher to carry out the freshwater turtle and tortoise research and conservation within Vietnam in specific and Southeast Asia in general. As well as, Thong will be the key member to manage the turtle rescue center which is a backbone project of Turtle Sanctuary in Central of Vietnam. He always strives to contribute to the conservation mission of Turtle Sanctuary to protect nature and animals for future generation. Together with Turtle Sanctuary\u2019s mission, Thong will be the conservation leader in Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.<\/p>\n<p>Thong holds a bachelor of Forestry and nature resource management from Vietnam National University of Forestry in 2009. Currently, Thong is pursuing the Tropical international master program with the cooperation between Vietnam University of Forestry and Georg-August G\u00f6ttingen University, Germany. With this program, Thong has studied at Georg- August G\u00f6ttingen University for six months to gain knowledge on Tropical forestry and nature resource management. Those vital knowledge is sharpening Thong\u2019s perspective to manage Turtle Sanctuary running smoothly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-501","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Who are we ? - Turtle Sanctuary Conservation Center<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turtle-sanctuary.org\/en\/who-are-we\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Who are we ? 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