About Turtle Survival Alliance
The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) was formed in 2001 as an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) partnership for sustainable captive management of freshwater turtles and tortoises, and initially designated a Task Force of the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. The TSA arose in response to the rampant and unsustainable harvest of Asian turtle populations to supply Chinese markets, a situation known as the Asian Turtle Crisis.
Since forming, the TSA has become recognized as a global force for turtle conservation, capable of taking swift and decisive action on behalf of critically endangered turtles and tortoises. Although the TSA was organized in response to the Asian Turtle Crisis, the group has been expanded as our understanding of the scope of turtle and tortoise declines has become better understood. The TSA has been particularly involved in recovery efforts where a managed breeding component is part of an overall survival strategy. The TSA employs a comprehensive strategy for evaluating the most critically endangered chelonians that identifies whether a species is prioritized for a captive program or through range country efforts, or a combination of both.
In the past 13 years, TSA secured nonprofit 501(c)(3) status (2005) and has centralized its base operations in South Carolina by opening the Turtle Survival Center (2013). The Turtle Survival Center, which now has AZA certification (2018), is home to a collection of more than 700 turtles and tortoises, representing 30 of the world’s critically endangered species. The TSA has also grown internationally, with significant field projects or programs in Madagascar, Myanmar and India, and additional projects in Belize, Colombia, and throughout Asia.
Today, the TSA is an action-oriented global partnership, focusing on species that are at high risk of extinction, and working in turtle diversity hotspots around the world. Widely recognized as a global catalyst for turtle conservation based on its reputation for swift and decisive action, the TSA has made a bold commitment to zero turtle extinctions in the 21st Century. The TSA is a recognized force for turtle conservation globally. TSA’s conservation actions utilize a three-pronged approach:
1. Restoring populations in the wild where possible;
2. Securing species in captivity through assurance colonies; and
3. Building the capacity to restore, secure and conserve species within their range country.
rev. 04/2011
Site Use
Release and Indemnification Agreement
Waiver: In consideration of being permitted to visit or participate in any way in any activity at the
following environmental lands under the management of Pinellas County, Department of Parks &
Conservation Resources (list properties):
I, for myself, my heirs, personal representatives or assigns, do hereby release, waive, discharge, and
covenant not to sue Pinellas County, its officers, employees, and agents from liability from any and all
claims including the negligence of Pinellas County, its officers, employees, and agents, resulting in
personal injury, accidents or illness (including death), and property loss arising from, but not limited to
visitation or participation in any way in any activity at the above location.
Signature of Minor’s Parent/Guardian
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Signature of Participant
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Assumptions of Risks: Visitation or participation carries with it certain inherent risks that cannot be
eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid injuries. The specific risks vary from one activity to
another, but the risks range from 1) minor injuries such as scratches, bruises, and sprains to 2) major
injuries such as eye injury or loss of sight, joint or back injuries, heart attacks, and concussions 3)
catastrophic injuries including paralysis and death 4) injuries from encountering wildlife including
poisonous snakes, carnivores, and stinging insects.
I have read the previous paragraph and I know, understand, and appreciate these and other risks that
are inherent in visitation or participation. I hereby assert that my visitation or participation is voluntary
and I knowingly assume all such risks.
Indemnification and Hold Harmless: I also agree to INDEMNIFY AND HOLD Pinellas County
harmless from any and all claims, actions, suits, procedures, costs, expenses, damages, and liabilities,
including attorney’s fees brought as a result of my involvement in visitation or participation and to
reimburse them for any such expenses incurred.
Severability: The undersigned further expressly agrees that the foregoing waiver and assumption of
risks agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of Florida
and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding,
continue in full legal force and effect.
Acknowledgement of Understanding: I have read this waiver of liability, assumption of risk, and
indemnity agreement, fully understand its terms, and understand that I am giving up substantial rights,
including my right to sue. I acknowledge that I am signing the agreement freely and voluntarily, and
intend by my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent
allowed by law. I acknowledge that I have received, read, and agree to abide by all applicable regulations and also
agree that it is my responsibility to disseminate this information to all members of my party.
Participant’s Name (Print)
Signature of Minor’s Parent/Guardian
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Signature of Participant
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Participant’s Age (If Minor)