Hanunah the Sulcata (aka African Spurred) Tortoise is a former NYTTS rescue, beloved mascot of the Prime Produce community, and a proud educational partner for Earthlings.NYC and the Turtle Team. His name (Hah-nu-nah) comes from a Seneca/ Iroquois myth about a tortoise who carries the whole world on its back. Carrying the world is hard work, so he’s always on the hunt for his next snack.

George is the largest sulcata tortoise competing in the Turtle Race, and 2023’s Reigning Champion! Petqua, one of our event sponsors, adopted George 22 years ago when they received a call from an unknown individual looking to donate him. His favorite hobbies are greeting people, eating, and basking for hours. George has a huge appetite and he loves leafy greens, squash, and berries George lives permanently at Petqua and freely roams the downstairs. You can visit George and pick up supplies for your own pet!

Tank is almost 4 years old, making him the smallest and youngest sulcata tortoise competing in the race… but don’t under estimate him! He's very energetic for a tortoise and loves to walk, so he’s allowed to roam around the house and when he's tired he sleeps by the shoes (it's his favorite spot aside from his enclosure). Tank is a pretty fast walker for a tortoise, so let's hope he keeps this energy for the race!

Pablo is a beloved 4-year old Hermann’s Tortoise who is only about 5 inches long! Although he’s small, Pablo packs a punch with his big personality. A friend of the Turtle Team, Pablo is entering the Turtle Race for the first time this year. He is also celebrating his adoption anniversary this month!

Meet Patrick, another new entry to this year’s competition. Patrick is a 3-year-old Indian Star Tortoise who loves to snuggle up in his blanket or bask in the sun while showing off his dazzling shell. The star pattern mimics tufts of grass to help them camouflage in the wild.

Woodside’s momma says she’s part red-eared & part yellow-bellied slider, so she has yellow ears! Woodside lives with her best friend, another turtle named Eddie. This unique beauty is returning to compete in her second Turtle Race!

Weird Al is a special red-eared slider who survived over 20 years of neglect before being rescued. His poor living conditions caused his shell to sink in and expose his lil’ turtle butt. Despite everything he’s been through, Al is incredibly friendly (and funny). He is currently under the care of the Turtle Team of Earthlings.NYC, but is searching for his forever home! If you’re ready for a new aquatic bestie, please submit an adoption form!

This red-eared slider lives the good life with a home full of turtle-y awesome friends. With a face as beautiful as her name, Emerald is entering the Turtle Race for the first time this year and is ready to show you what she’s got!

Introducing another returning crowd favorite… TINA TURTLE! Tina is a free-range 27-year-old red-eared slider. She is very social and she uses her ramp to come out and walk around the apartment when there are people to meet and climb up to the window to enjoy the view of the garden. Her favorite treat is a piece of clementine.

Max is a 23-year-old free range red-eared slider who enjoys roaming his Manhattan apartment, watching his mom create art, and spends a portion of his exciting life in a tray filled with water and a ramp. That's NYC living, baby! Max takes training very seriously and likes to bulk up on cherries and grapes before the competition.

Another red-eared slider has entered the races… meet Miss Piggy! This adorable 23-year-old turtle knows how to strike a pose and will be strutting down that race track like it’s the runway!

This little cutie and their twin are river cooters who were victims of the illegal pet trade before getting surrendered to the Turtle Team/Earthlings.NYC. The first half of this duo, Thing 1, holds the honor of being a couple millimeters longer and one gram heavier than their sibling. These beautiful babies are up for adoption— submit an adoption application if you’re looking for a longtime pet!

The second half of this iconic river cooter duo, Thing 2 is just slightly smaller than their sibling, but is catching up slowly but surely (as turtles do), thanks to his ravenous appetite! This little guy has a lot of energy and is ready to hit the race track! These beautiful babies are up for adoption— submit an adoption application if you’re looking for a longtime pet!