A global foundation helping people and nations achieve their full potential
Whether at a village, regional, or national level, our projects are conducted in conjunction with the 17 United Nations Sustainability Goals to ensure a lasting transformation.
We seek to improve the economic stability and well-being of families and individuals, which will make stronger communities and countries.
We seek to improve the quality of life by facilitating the development of critical infrastructure in communities and nations.
We seek to develop human capital around the world so everyone has the opportunity to prosper.
Operation Slow Crawl advances compassionate Sulcata stewardship, public education, and conservation awareness, linking surrendered tortoises in the United States to the Sahel’s ecological future.
Help prospective and current guardians understand the scale, cost, habitat needs, and multidecade commitment involved in keeping a Sulcata.
Build visibility, fundraising pathways, educational resources, and partner support for legitimate organizations caring for surrendered animals.
Explain how companion-animal demand, wildlife trade, habitat degradation, and dryland restoration connect across borders.
Support locally led, scientifically grounded, legally authorized conservation rather than simplistic solutions.
Dedicate a clear portion of merchandise proceeds to the project and disclose where funds go.
Operation Slow Crawl connects compassionate care for surrendered Sulcata tortoises with long-term conservation awareness for the Sahel—the species’ native home.
In the United States, African spurred tortoises are often acquired as small pets but can grow to be exceptionally large and live for many decades. When families can no longer provide lifelong care, shelters and private sanctuaries can become overwhelmed. In the Sahel, wild populations face habitat degradation, livestock pressure, fire, exploitation, and desertification.
Through education, partnerships, ethical rescue support, and conservation storytelling, Operation Slow Crawl invites people to make a lasting impact.
Sulcatas are widely described as long-lived—often 70-100+ years in captivity—and can weigh over 100 pounds, which helps explain why unplanned surrenders become a recurring welfare issue. Their wild populations in the Sahel are threatened by habitat loss, agricultural expansion, livestock overgrazing, fires, exploitation, and the pet trade; the IUCN assessment describes the species as declining rapidly.
