In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal explores the incredible stories of giant tortoises and their ecological significance. She discusses the unique characteristics of these ancient creatures, their conservation success stories, and the concept of living a net positive life. The episode emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and encourages listeners to take practical steps towards sustainability and conservation.
Inspired by the book Net Positive by Paul Polman and Andrew Winston, this episode invites you to rethink what it means to live a truly resilient life. While the Net Positive movement was designed for bold businesses, this conversation takes it a step further—asking what it means for each of us to give more than we take, in our energy, relationships, and legacy. We connect positive psychology, personal growth, and the surprising resilience of tortoises to show how we can all live in a way that’s regenerative and purpose-filled—just like nature intended.
Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take by Paul Polman and Andrew WinstonNet Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Takehttps://www.amazon.com/Net-Positive-Courageous-Companies-Thrive/dp/1647821304Net Positive by Paul Polman: 8 Minute SummaryNet Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take – Paul PolmanThe Net Positive ManifestoNet Positive by Paul Polman, Andrew WinstonJonathan the giant tortoise
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEXpGdQiZeq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linkHappy 191st (or so) birthday to the world’s oldest living land animalhttps://www.cnn.com/travel/article/oldest-tortoise-jonathan-scli-intl-scn/index.htmlMommy tortoise has first babies at 99 – oldest first time mom of species
Philadelphia Zoo welcomes baby tortoises born to 100 year-old parentshttps://www.nbcnews.com/video/philadelphia-zoo-welcomes-baby-tortoise-born-to-100-year-old-parents-236643909528At 97, Endangered Tortoise Becomes Oldest First-Time Mom of Her Species With Four New Hatchlings—and Potentially More on the WayAn Endangered Galápagos Tortoise Is a First-Time Mother at 100https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czrvlk8lnymo97-Year-Old Reptile Hatches 4 Babies and Becomes Oldest First-Time Mom of Her SpeciesGiant tortoises play a crucial role in their ecosystems.Conservation efforts have successfully increased tortoise populations.The giant tortoise serves as a model for regenerative living.Giant tortoises are the longest living land animals that we know of.Every action we take can have a net positive or negative impact. Being net positive means actively contributing to the well-being of others and the environment.Small, positive actions can lead to significant ecological benefits.Awareness of our impact is the first step towards change. You get to choose if you want to be net positive or net negative.Engaging with conservation can create lasting connections to nature.Living sustainably is essential for future generations.We can all contribute to a healthier planet through simple actions.resilience, giant tortoises, conservation, net positive, ecological impact, Aldabra Atoll, Diego, Jonathan, sustainability, nature
Helping Giant Tortoises to Thrive
Giant Tortoise Restoration in the Galápagos Islands | Galápagos ConservancyGiant tortoise conservation – Charles Darwin FoundationGalapagos Tortoise Conservation in the GalapagosBreeding Galápagos tortoises – Part 1HOW Did GIANT TORTOISES Get To The GALÁPAGOS Islands!?March 22 – Galapagos TortoisesLiving Life Fully in Retirement – An Update on Diego | Galápagos Conservancyhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/galapagos-tortoise-breeding-program-ends-after-meeting-conservation-goals-180973952/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/galapagos-tortoise-breeding-program-ends-after-meeting-conservation-goals-180973952/Diego, the 100-Year-Old Tortoise Who Fathered 900 Babies, Returns to the WildMeet Diego, the amorous tortoise that saved his species from extinction!“Super Diego” the Galapagos Tortoise Helped Save His Specieshttps://www.sif.sc/ (Seychelles Islands Foundation – help save Aldabra)Aldabra tortoiseAldabra Tortoise Fact Sheet | Blog | Nature | PBSMadagascar: giant tortoises have returned 600 years after they were wiped outSurviving against the Odds: The Giant Tortoises of Aldabra AtollAldabra Giant Tortoise – Zoo Resource LibraryCleveland zoo realizes after 50 years that Mary the giant tortoise is a boyAdopt a Giant Galapagos Tortoise
Adopt a Galapagos Giant Tortoise – Charles Darwin FoundationAdopt a Giant Tortoise | Symbolic Adoptions from WWFAdopts Archive | Galápagos Conservancy“We are all deeply connected.”“The goal is to be less net negative and strive for net positive”