Red-footed Tortoise Program Captive breeding compound, Venezuela 1996. We oversee a red-footed tortoise captive breeding program in Venezuela. Over 1,000 adult tortoises, all confiscated from markets or donated by zoos are used in a combination of research studies and educational programs. This colony produces about 5,000 eggs a year. Hatchlings are sold worldwide in the pet trade and funds generated from these sales totally support this program and help support endangered species projects in Venezuela. Our Orinoco crocodile captive breeding project and the annual head starting and release of thousands of giant South American river turtles are both supported by this red-foot tortoise program. A more detailed account of this project is in preparation.