Get Over Your Fear of Turtles and Tortoises: Chelonaphobia

by | Oct 1, 2024 | Phobia

A cute baby turtle on a beach

Is a Phobia of Turtles and Tortoise Causing You Stress?

A phobic fear of a turtle or tortoise can be embarrassing and inconvenient. Have you ever felt your heart thumping when around a turtle or tortoise?  Do your muscles tense and your palms go sweaty with an overwhelming urge to get away? This could be a sign that you’re suffering from Chelonaphobia, the fear of turtles and tortoises.

Animal phobias are very common and many of us have some level of fear about at least one animal. However, a phobia is an extreme fear that can limit life. If you are afraid of turtles and tortoises, you might find yourself avoiding places you might actually really want to visit. That dream beach holiday might just never happen. You feel unable to go into pet shops or zoos with your children. Even traveling to new exciting destinations might seem just too terrifying because of the fear of an encounter with a turtle or tortoise.

However there is hope! It is fully possible to take steps to change your fears with the help of Creature Courage, the UK’s leading animal phobia therapists. 

What is the Fear of Turtles and Tortoises?

The Fear of turtles and tortoises (Chelonaphobia) is a specific phobia, characterised by an irrational fear when around a turtle or tortoise or, even, when seeing a video, picture or even just thinking about them. The fear can manifest in various ways, from mild discomfort to a full-blown panic attack. Many might not think that being scared of turtles or tortoises isn’t quite in the same league as a fear of sharks. However, Chelonaphobia is a very real and valid concern for those affected and can be just as debilitating.

Turtles and tortoises are reptiles, so chelonaphobia is linked to the fear of reptiles (Herpetophobia). This is a more general fear of all reptiles. Herpetophobia is usually characterised more often with the fear of snakes and lizards, but it’s not limited to these creatures.

woman afraid of a tortoise art Creature Courage

Common Symptoms of Chelonaphobia

People with Chelonaphobia may experience:

  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Sweating
  • Trembling
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • An overwhelming urge to flee

These are all symptoms of specific phobias that can be triggered by seeing a turtle or tortoise in person, or from pictures and videos, or even just from thoughts.

Understanding the Root Causes of Chelonaphobia 

The fear of turtles and tortoises can stem from various sources:

  • A Traumatic Experience: Perhaps you had a frightening encounter with a turtle as a child, perhaps being bitten, or maybe you picked one up, and you didn’t like the feel of the skin and shell. Traumatic animal experiences are not easy to predict, and what is traumatic to one may be totally harmless to another.
  • Learned Behaviour: You can feasibly pick up a phobia of any animal if you see your parents, siblings, or friends displaying fear. This is the case with any creature. This also usually happens early on in childhood.
  • Cultural Factors: If you are in a culture that sees turtles and tortoises negitively this can also be a factor. Although many cultures tend to associate turtles with longevity and protection, certain Polynesian cultures depict the turtle as the God of War – I didn’t see that one coming, either!
  • Misunderstandings and cultural beliefs: A lack of knowledge about creatures can sometimes lead to unfounded fears. For instance, in Judaism, the turtle is considered unclean and, therefore, to be avoided.
  • Evolutionary Factors: Some researchers suggest that humans may have an innate fear of certain animals, including reptiles, as a survival mechanism from our evolutionary past. A turtle’s connection to other, more commonly feared reptiles could, quite conceivably, cause an associated fear of turtles and tortoises.

Caveman Afraid of Turtle Creature Courage

How Building Fascination Helps Overcome Fear of Turtles and Tortoises

Many people with chelonaphobiafeel overwhelmed by their first encounters. Yet, you can shift this fear into curiosity and even joy. Firstly, learning facts about these animals helps you understand them better. That reduces mystery and anxiety at the same time. For example, discovering how long they’ve existed — over 200 million years — highlights their resilience and ancient origins.

Starting small is key. Watch short videos, read gentle articles, or view pictures. When you see how peaceful many species are, you may notice your tension easing. Then move on to observing them in nature documentaries. Each positive experience builds confidence. For many people, gradual exposure — first in pictures, then up close in safe settings — leads to real change

Cool Facts About Turtles and Tortoises

Here are some fascinating facts to spark fascination and reduce fear:

  • Ancient Survivors – Turtles and tortoises have lived on Earth since before the dinosaurs.

  • Built-in Protection – Their shells are part of their skeleton, offering natural armour.

  • Varied Diets – Some species are herbivores, while others are omnivores or carnivores.

  • Long-Lived – Certain tortoises can live for over a century.

  • Not Just Slow – Sea turtles can travel thousands of miles across oceans.

  • Nest Navigation – Female turtles often return to the same beach where they were born to lay eggs.

  • Ecosystem Helpers – Green sea turtles help maintain healthy seagrass beds through grazing.

  • Shell Diversity – Sea turtles have streamlined shells, while tortoises usually have domed, land-adapted shells.

  • Unique Behaviours – Some turtles sleep underwater and remain submerged for hours.

  • Part of Culture – Turtles symbolise longevity and wisdom in many cultures.

The Difference Between Turtles and Tortoises

 It’s important to understand the difference between turtles and tortoises, as these differences will determine where people might encounter them in the wild.

Turtles and tortoises, though both belong to the reptile family, have distinct differences in their physical characteristics and habitats. The most notable difference is in their shells—turtles generally have lighter, more streamlined shells, which enable them to swim efficiently, while tortoises have heavier, dome-shaped shells designed for life on land. Turtles are typically more aquatic, with webbed feet or flippers that make them excellent swimmers. In contrast, tortoises have sturdy, elephant-like feet that are well-suited for walking on various terrains. This anatomical distinction highlights their adaptation to different environments.

Geographically, turtles are commonly found in a variety of aquatic habitats, including oceans, rivers, and lakes, with species spread across the globe. Sea turtles, for instance, can be found in tropical and subtropical waters, while freshwater turtles inhabit rivers and lakes in diverse regions. Tortoises, on the other hand, are terrestrial creatures found primarily in hot, dry regions like deserts, grasslands, and savannas. They are native to areas such as Africa, South and North America, and parts of Asia, with the well-known Giant Galápagos tortoises inhabiting the Galápagos Islands. Their natural environments reflect their different lifestyle preferences, with turtles thriving in water and tortoises adapted to life on land.

How turtles are different from tortoises

Why Turtles and Tortoises Matter

Turtles and tortoises are more than interesting reptiles — they play valuable roles in nature and human life. In marine environments, sea turtles help keep seagrass meadows healthy. These underwater meadows are essential nurseries for fish and vital carbon stores in our fight against climate change.

Meanwhile, species like hawksbill turtles eat sea sponges that would otherwise overwhelm coral reefs. This helps protect reef life and supports vibrant ocean biodiversity.

On land, tortoises help shape plant communities through their grazing. Their nesting and feeding habits can enrich soil and support other species. In coastal areas, unhatched turtle eggs and shells fertilise beach vegetation, helping stabilise dunes.

As pets, many species — such as marginated or Hermann’s tortoises — can be rewarding companions for responsible owners. They encourage patience and mindfulness, as their slow pace teaches us to appreciate the moment. Successful ownership requires dedication to proper diet, habitat and care, which many UK keepers find deeply fulfilling.

 Breaking Free from the Fear of Turtles

Overcoming the fear of turtles and tortoises is entirely possible. Here are some strategies that have helped many of our clients at Creature Courage:

  • Education: Learning about turtles and tortoises can help to demystify them and reduce your fear. Understanding their behaviour, their habitat, and the fact that most species are harmless to humans can be reassuring. Fortunately, turtles and tortoises are creatures full of interesting facts and can be very cute and adorable! (especially as babies, Google ‘baby tortoise eating,’ you won’t be disappointed!) The more fascination and compassion you feel for tortoises and turtles, the less afraid you will be of them.
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This approach helps you to reframe your negative thoughts and beliefs about these animals. Through a therapist’s guidance, you will learn how to identify and challenge your irrational fears.
  • Exposure Therapy: Gradually exposing yourself to turtles and tortoises within a controlled environment can help to desensitise you to your fear. Exposure therapy is an extremely effective course of treatment. It works by slowly exposing yourself, first with photos and videos, then actually interacting with a real turtle or tortoise. 
  • Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy is a great tool to use before exposure therapy to help relax yourself and shift your mind into a positive space before doing exposure therapy.
  • Relaxation Techniques: Practices like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness can help manage anxiety symptoms when confronted with turtles or tortoises.
  • Holistic Approaches: At Creature Courage, we combine all these techniques, additionally including art therapy and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), for a fully comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each individual’s needs.

Creature Courage art of woman getting over her fears

 

Overcome your Fear of Turtles with Creature Courage

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. If you’re struggling with Chelonaphobia, don’t hesitate to reach out to animal phobia specialists like us at Creature Courage. We’re here to guide you on your journey to overcoming your fear and reclaiming your life in a quick and lasting way. 

Chelonaphobia doesn’t have to control your life. With understanding, patience, and the right support, you can learn to appreciate the gentle nature of turtles and tortoises, transforming your fear into fascination. Get in touch today to book your session with Creature Courage!

Creature Courage Logo of a smiling lion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Chelonaphobia be cured completely?

 Most people significantly reduce their fear and learn to manage their reactions effectively with our treatment. Many people are completely cured in one session and learn to love and adore the animal they once feared.

In addition, with our holistic anxiety management therapy, we can help train people to build their overall resilience and develop better mental health habits to keep fear away for good.

Are turtles and tortoises dangerous to humans?

Turtles and tortoises are not dangerous to humans. Some large species, like snapping turtles, can bite if provoked, but this is very rare and usually avoidable.

Can I develop Chelonaphobia as an adult?

Yes, phobias can develop at any age, often from a traumatic experience or learned behaviour. However, the majority of phobias are learned in childhood.

How long does treatment for Chelonaphobia usually take?

Treatment duration varies depending on the individual and the severity of the phobia. At Creature Courage, we aim to see you significantly overcome your phobia in just one day. However, some people may need more than one session if they have deeper anxiety issues to address.

Embracing a Turtle-Friendly Future

Imagine being able to visit a pond or beach without anxiety. Picture yourself enjoying nature documentaries featuring these fascinating creatures. With the right support and techniques, you can overcome your phobia of turtles and tortoises and embrace a life free from fear.

Further Resources, Support and Learning

If fear of turtles or tortoises feels overwhelming, learning in safe and supportive ways can help. Fortunately, several trusted UK organisations provide gentle, factual information that encourages understanding rather than pressure. As a result, many people feel more confident engaging at their own pace.

The Tortoise Trust offers expert advice on tortoise and turtle care, conservation and responsible ownership in the UK. Meanwhile, the Tortoise Protection Group supports welfare and rehoming, helping both animals and people feel safe. These organisations prioritise education, which can be especially helpful for those working through fear gradually.

For those interested in conservation, the SEA LIFE Trust shares accessible information about sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation. Additionally, international charities such as Sea Turtle Conservancy and the Turtle Foundation provide insight into why turtles matter globally. Learning through trusted sources allows curiosity to grow, which often softens fear over time. All of these sources will be great to get more exposure as well!