In this episode of Turtle Tea, host Wendy Montroy sits down with Monk Yun Rou, author of Turtle Planet, ordained Taoist monk, kung fu master, and lifelong turtle keeper. Monk Yun Rou shares a deep perspective on how ancient Daoist philosophy intersects with nature observation, animal sentience, and the urgent need to protect threatened chelonian species.
Yun Rou opens up about his lifelong passion for reptiles, starting from his childhood in New York City where he raised a misplaced Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle in a home aquarium before ensuring its release through the Coney Island Aquarium. He reflects on decades of keeping giant tortoises, navigating the specific care requirements of Asian Box Turtles (Cuora species), and how compassion practice shapes his daily husbandry routine.
The conversation explores the philosophical core of his book Turtle Planet, the global trade and conservation crises facing Asian turtles, and why shift in human consciousness is essential for the survival of wildlife. Yun Rou also discusses his perspective on environmental enrichment, reading individual animal behaviors, and his additional published works, including Love Becomes Her and his science fiction novel, The Revelation.
Episode Highlights
– Ancient origins of turtles and how Daoism integrates nature watching into daily life
– The story of raising a stray Kemp’s ridley sea turtle hatchling in a New York City apartment
– Managing giant tortoises (Aldabra and Galapagos) across different life stages and locations
– Husbandry insights on Cuora species and Heosemys depressa
– Addressing the threats of wild trafficking, habitat loss, and the food/medicine trade in Asia
– Enrichment practices, hydration tricks, and building trust with captive turtles
– Reflections on personal health challenges, writing, and human evolution
From Turtle Planet:“That’s the thing with you humans – as you get closer and closer to annihilating yourself, you slowly wake up…”
“Believe me when I tell you that every thinking creature on this planet wishes to wake up one morning and be blessedly rid of your kind. Recognize that you are nature's most malignant mistake and try to repair what you’ve done. That is your only path to redemption.”
“The biggest mistake a human can make is to fixate so much on the material world, to cherish things instead of each other, instead of thoughts, feelings, ideas.”
“We are not turtles and people, but merely citizens of planet earth.”
Mentioned in This Episode
Turtle Planet, Love Becomes Her, The Mad Monk Manifesto, and The Revelation by Monk Yun Rou
Connect with Monk Yun Rou: https://monkyunrou.com
Anthony Pierlioni’s channel Just Turtles: https://www.youtube.com/@JustTurtles
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