Atlantic County, New Jersey – In a modest home near the shore, husband and wife team Chris and Casey Leone have built a sanctuary that is quickly becoming a regional beacon for wildlife conservation. Their project, known as “Garden State Tortoise,” houses hundreds of turtles and tortoises and uses creative social‑media content to teach more than one million viewers about proper animal care and the importance of protecting these species.
From passion to purpose
Both Chris and Casey grew up with a love for reptiles, but it was the birth of their first pet turtle that sparked the idea of turning a personal hobby into a public mission. “We don’t really feel like we work a day in our lives because we get to follow our passion,” Chris explained. “My hope is that everything we do—from animal care to telling these stories through our platforms—is to get attention for the respect of the animals, to ultimately save them in a conservation manner.”
Sanctuary life
The sanctuary occupies a series of indoor and outdoor enclosures designed to mimic natural habitats. Volunteers help with daily feeding, habitat cleaning, and health checks, while the Leones oversee veterinary care and breeding programs. Over the years, the sanctuary has rescued turtles from illegal pet trades, abandoned backyard ponds, and storm‑damage incidents, providing a safe haven where the animals can thrive.
Education at scale
What sets Garden State Tortoise apart is its digital outreach. The couple produces short videos, live streams, and instructional posts that demonstrate proper feeding, habitat setup, and handling techniques. Their content reaches a broad audience, from schoolchildren in Atlantic County classrooms to hobbyists across the United States. By translating hands‑on care into accessible online lessons, the Leones have helped more than one million people learn how to treat these creatures responsibly.
Community impact
Local schools have invited the Leones to present in science classes, and the sanctuary frequently hosts field trips for youth groups. Parents appreciate the emphasis on stewardship and the way the program aligns with family values of caring for God’s creation. The sanctuary also partners with regional wildlife agencies to report illegal wildlife trafficking and to support broader conservation initiatives.
Looking ahead
Chris and Casey remain optimistic about the future. “It’s something that will just continue driving us,” Casey said. “In the end, we’re doing it for the animals.” Their goals include expanding the sanctuary’s capacity, launching a youth apprenticeship program, and continuing to grow their online community so that more families can learn to protect turtles and tortoises responsibly.
The Garden State Tortoise sanctuary demonstrates how a small, faith‑guided family effort can make a national impact, blending local stewardship with modern technology to safeguard wildlife for generations to come.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
