Deriving from the Greek word chelone, which translates to turtle or tortoise, the Chelonian Research Institute is an international leader in research and conservation of turtles and tortoises of the world.
The Institute was established in 1998 by Dr. Peter Pritchard.
The Institute features a research facility, library, offices, museum, residence for visiting scientists and a sanctuary. Situated on a 10-acre forested urban oasis, the facility boasts a beautiful natural landscape, shared by nature’s wildlife, including wild turkeys, birds of prey, and several species of snakes.
It has more than 13,000 catalogued specimens – the world’s third largest turtle and tortoise museum collection – including 270 of the world’s 300 recognized species of turtles. Every living genus of chelonians is represented here.
