Mother of Tortoises: Tara Troxell’s Journey with Arctic Reptile Ranch

What happens when a self-proclaimed "cuddly cat person" marries a reptile enthusiast and ends up becoming a primary caretaker for massive tortoises? In this episode of Turtle Tea, Wendy sits down with Tara Troxell, the incredible "better half" of Arctic Reptile Ranch. Tara shares her deeply personal transition from a supportive, snake-fearing spouse to a hands-on tortoise expert who manages daily feeding, crucial weather monitoring, and the delicate art of digging up Burmese Star and Radiated tortoise nests. Tara opens up about finding her unique maternal instinct through animal husbandry, the physical demands of keeping tortoises safe during extreme heat, and the subtle behavioral cues every keeper should watch for. Whether your partner is a reluctant convert or your biggest cheerleader, this episode is a beautiful look at the human side of the reptile community. Learn more about the Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG): https://ttpg.org Connect with us on Facebook:   / ttpggroup   Have a member story to share? Email Wendy: [email protected] TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Introduction: People of the TTPG 1:03 - From Supportive Spouse to "Mother of Tortoises" 2:14 - Early Days: Overcoming a Fear of Snakes 3:00 - Moving to Texas & The Importance of Weather Monitoring 4:55 - Overcoming Anxiety and Finding a Love for Tortoises 6:11 - Harsh Lessons: The Danger of Flipped Tortoises 7:54 - Rescuing Sauron & Harambe the Redfoot Tortoise 9:39 - Captive Breeding and the Magic of Hatchlings 11:02 - Learning the Ropes: Digging Your First Nest 14:51 - The Importance of Reaching Out to Your Breeder 17:47 - Dividing and Conquering: Partner Envy & Daily Routines 23:20 - Discovering a "Maternal Instinct" Through Tortoise Care 28:01 - Advice for Skeptical Partners & Common Misconceptions 29:24 - Expert Observations: Spotting Pre-Nesting Behaviors 34:19 - The Physical Demands of Keeping Tortoises in Extreme Heat 37:15 - Closing Thoughts & How to Share Your TTPG Story #TortoiseCare #ReptileBreeding #BurmeseStarTortoise #TTPG #TurtleTeaPodcast #ArcticReptile Ranch #TortoiseKeeper