These are turbulent times, but while these crises are unprecedented for humans, turtles have seen far worse. Political upheaval and deregulation may be new phenomena, but these reptiles survived the late-Cretaceous asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs. They have proven their resilience again and again over millions of years, and this issue of The Tortoise is a celebration of their adaptability as well as the conservationists, artists, and scientists who have devoted their lives to protecting turtles and tortoises. From the forests of northern Florida to the veldt of South Africa, from the rivers of Australia to the beaches of Mexico, this issue highlights some of the world's most dazzling rare species and the unique challenges they face. This issue also pays tribute to some of our heroes, past and present—luminaries including the late Peter Pritchard and Margaretha Hofmeyr, as well as Homero Aridjis—giving us insight into their vital work.