Captive breeding conservation programs are critical today to the survival of species currently threatened with extinction.
When in captivity, exotic animals require a replicated natural ecosystem in order to reproduce, and GREEN is accomplishing this goal.
At our facility, we have successfully bred some of the most endangered species of turtles, tortoises, and birds in modern time.
Working with a diverse variety of species from around the world, our achievements will one day advance into the future and return these species back into the wild.
The Perfect Climate
Our operations are based in Deep South Texas, located amid the tropical dry thorn-brush forests of Ebony, Acacia, Mesquite, plus a variety of various tropics.
South Texas offers an ideal weather environment for keeping the non-native tropical species of animals that we work with. Our endangered and threatened species require a diverse habitat ranging from arid deserts to tropical rainforests.
Our facility location has provided very positive results in our efforts to replicate the indigenous habitats of global species that we house onsite.
Not only do we work with some of the most endangered species of turtles, tortoises, and birds on the planet, but we implement our Green protocols, including old-world farming techniques and recycling, that are successfully sustaining our operation efforts.
North American Migration, Pollination, and Native Habitats
Our facility is located in the heart of the native migratory corridor.
Over 500 recorded species of migratory birds, 300 species of butterflies, 120 species of dragonfly, and a select number of native insects make a stop at our facility every year.
Tropical dry forests once covered the entire Rio Grande Valley region where our main operations are based.
Our facility has numerous honey bee hives, native pollinator plants, and natural protective shelter for birds to create their nests and forage during a pit stop on their trip back home to Central America, or heading north for the summer.
South Texas Agriculture
The agricultural impact on South Texas native wildlife has been very detrimental over the past decades.
Cameron County and the Rio Grande Valley have some of the most diverse specimens of plants, reptiles, birds, and mammals, such as the Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), found in the the United States.
Agriculture and clear-cutting has destroyed the population of amphibians in The Valley alone.
Our facilities are designed and constructed to protect the native South American, Mexican, and Texas specimens that have migrated into the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Pollinators
Pollinators are the most beneficial species to human agriculture.
Our focus on preserving turtles, tortoises, birds, and the native ecosystem supports the tiniest insects that, in turn, make the largest impact on restoring the natural environment.
Our facility inhabited in South Texas has devoted 8 acres to solely stay native untouched forests. Located in this forests are food for bees, migratory insects including the monarch butterfly, bats, and migratory parrots.
Non Native Species
Every species of turtle and tortoise in the world suffers from habitat loss – from the over collection of animals for medicine, spiritual and religious taboo, food, and the pet trade.
We currently facilitate over 400 animals on-site, including a variety of 75 species from around the world.
What’s At GREEN
GREEN facilitates four species of classifications of Extinct in the Wild. We have 14 of the 75 species listed as Critically Endangered, 31 species classified Endangered, and 22 species classified Threatened.
Species common in the private pet trade, preserved in zoological collections, and kept in private animal breeding facilities are now becoming increasingly threatened with extinction because of agriculture and deforestation, spirituality, the pet trade, and for food consumption.
Turtles, Tortoises and Birds
At our main facility, we protect a variety of species within naturally replicated environments.
We commonly collaborate with other institutions.
Species classified Extinct in the Wild aren’t easy to breed, and we support the various Studbooks, and sometimes loan animals to unrelated bloodline
breeding programs.
Species such as the once classified Extinct Arakan Forest turtle have proven successful in breeding collaborations with members, colleagues, and partnerships.
Avians
To ensure that our birds thrive, GREEN has constructed top-notch aviaries, breeding facilities, and mock-jungle habitats for endangered Central and South American avian species.
GREEN Off-Grid Initiatives
We utilize a wide variety of off-grid initiatives.
From recycling old refrigerators converted into worm-breeding farms, to growing our own feed for the animals, we continuously implement new green, sustainable programs.
Our focus on protecting the environment continues to expand.
- We propagate plants from seed for our enclosures;
- We reuse plant clippings and organics for composting;
- We use only well water;
- We re-channel ALL grey water for irrigation.
Our omnivores are fed farm fresh, free-range eggs from our ducks, geese, and chickens, We breed our own earthworms for the turtles.
Hibiscus, Mallow, Broadleaf weeds, and grasses are grown on-site for nourishment. Our garden operations take time and effort, but make us completely GREEN sustainable.
We compost daily.
NOTHING GOES TO WASTE.
Animal Husbandry
Food preparation is a critical component of animal husbandry.
Our protocols are a combination of a vast number of collaborations from zoological curators, private animal breeders, AZA, ZAA, and USDA protocols.
We have a custom built cooler for perishable items, with a granite food prep station and dishwasher sanitation area.
Our Members and Sponsors
Our members and sponsors are visionaries like us with similar ideals and goals to protect our environment.
If you are a visionary like us, help GREEN grow.
Help GREEN educate people around the world. Help GREEN protect endangered species.
Sign up for our corporate sponsorship or membership program that enables us to sustain and maintain the various endangered habitats at our South Texas facility.
Become a GREEN member and share our vision to restore and protect our most vulnerable species on this amazing Blue Planet.
