After winning his first Florida turtle at the age of 5 at a funfair, Jérôme Maran decided to turn this gain into a passion by opening, years later, a real refuge for turtles. It is near Bessières, 30 minutes from Toulouse, that he created an address reserved for these aquatic and terrestrial animals. An associative project in the great outdoors to support and discover with family or friends!
One more Refuge of 1000 turtles accessible to all
The Turtle Refuge, located in the north-east of Toulouse, is a unique nature sanctuary in France open, thanks to a host of volunteers , from April 1 to October 31. 52 hectares dedicated to these animals with a prehistoric appearance and often endangered by humans.
For six months, visitors of all ages can come to the site to visit the infrastructures freely and follow a guided tour to discover the turtles of the world which, in this space, number 1100 including 32 different species. The opportunity to raise awareness among several generations about the cause of turtles and biodiversity.
"Today, more than ever, we need the support from as many people as possible to carry out our missions of information, welcoming turtles and conservation.", Jérôme MARAN President of the Turtle Refuge Association, Capacity Manager of the Turtle Refuge and Member of the 'IUCN Tortoise & Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group
A reception and care center above all
< p>If young and old discover this fascinating world directly, the Turtle Refuge Association (A.R.T.) has one main mission: recover and keep exotic turtles, American, leprosy and serpentines (aggressive species) found in the wild, abandoned by individuals or seized by the authorities, but also protect and care for them before (sometimes) returning them to their natural habitat.
Projects which multiply over the years and in particular with the proliferation of the leprous Emyde, a protected species of turtle (which does not carry leprosy) in danger and that the Refuge des Tortues a> tries to save. Jérôme Maran's association has thus created, in partnership with the Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels d'Occitanie and the National Veterinary School of Toulouse, "Let's Save the Leprous Emyde".
A humanitarian project "which is based in particular on the construction of a breeding and study station for the species, in order to produce young turtles in view of future reintroduction programs.", explains Jérôme Maran.
A 100% homemade restaurant and games for children
To enjoy all day long, a restaurant allows you to eat Homemade dishes on site using quality local products to suit all tastes and budgets. For the most organized visitors, picnic tables are also available.
During their visit, which is as fun as it is cultural, children can enjoy a superb play area strong> installed right next to the picnic/catering area. Several swings, a giant turtle to explore, a slide, a climbing wall, a large sandbox, a pétanque track, turtle fishing and various games are freely accessible.
Thanks to this unique place green and soothing at the gates of the Pink City, all the residents now spend happy days in the pools and enclosures specially designed for them. But let's not forget one thing and as the owner of the Refuge reminds us: "Turtles are and will forever remain wild animals"!
Follow the Refuge Turtles on Instagram and on Facebook or make a donation to advance research and improve the living conditions of these reptiles.
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