Armando Jimenez

Armando works as the Senior Animal Keeper at the Turtle Conservancy’s Behler Chelonian Center. Originally from Vera Cruz Mexico, Armando has been at the BCC since 2006. In addition to caring for the endangered species of turtles and tortoises at the BCC and serving as the Center’s ‘tortoise whisperer,’ Armando is also responsible for finding the often near-invisible nests and carefully removing the eggs for incubation.

Although fond of all species of turtles and tortoises, Armando’s favorite species is the Galapagos Tortoise (Chelonoides nigra). When it gets cooler at the center the Galapagos Tortoises know they need to go inside, relieving Armando of the Herculean task of carrying these gentle giants indoors. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and helping his two daughters with their homework.