CONSERVATION THROUGH COMPASSION, EDUCATION, AND ACTION
Protecting rare species. Educating future generations. Advancing ethical wildlife care.
Twin Pine Conservation Institute (TPCI), formerly Twin Pine Farm & Exotics Conservation Foundation (TPFECF), is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) wildlife conservation institution based in Walterboro, South Carolina. The organization is dedicated to the ethical, science-based management, conservation breeding, and long-term sustainability of rare and underrepresented species through collaborative zoological partnerships, applied husbandry research, and responsible population management.
ABOUT US
Who We Are
Twin Pine Conservation Institute (TPCI) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) wildlife conservancy based in Walterboro, South Carolina. Founded by Sheri and Jim Sublett, TPCI was created out of a lifelong passion for wildlife and a commitment to ethical, evidence-based care of rare and exotic species.
We work with a wide variety of wildlife, from small to large carnivores like genets and leopard cats to lions and hyena; from marsupials, reptiles, and birds to hoof stock, insectivores, omnivores, primates and more—while maintaining high standards of welfare, enrichment, and husbandry. Our facility is not open to the public, but we partner with schools, zoos, and conservation groups to provide impactful, educational experiences and support broader wildlife preservation efforts.
WHAT WE DO
Our Vision
To lead with compassion, science, and collaboration in protecting rare species and connecting people with the natural world in meaningful ways.
Conservation & Research
We actively collaborate with universities, research teams, and zoological institutions in the United States and internationally—including Texas A&M University, the Smithsonian Institution, and partners in South Africa—to support species conservation, genetic management, and applied research. Our work focuses on advancing population sustainability, improving husbandry standards, and developing practical enrichment and welfare protocols that benefit both managed and field conservation efforts.
Animal Welfare & Stewardship
Our facility provides safe, species-specific habitats for animals under human care, many of which are part of national and international conservation programs.
Education & Outreach
We provide off-site conservation education through structured programs, school partnerships, and community presentations. Our outreach focuses on responsible wildlife stewardship, species conservation, and science-based approaches to animal care, welfare, and habitat protection.
Partnerships & Collaborations
Collaboration is central to our mission. We work with zoological institutions, conservation organizations, universities, and regulatory agencies to support ex-situ population management, research, and species conservation.
Through these partnerships, we assist with animal transfers, specialized husbandry, permitting coordination, and breeding program support. Our collaborative efforts help strengthen long-term population sustainability and advance science-based standards of care and welfare.
Professional Education & Conservation Outreach
TPCI supports professional and community education through conservation presentations, research communication, school partnerships and collaboration with zoological and academic institutions. TPCI is not open to the general public and does not provide direct-contact encounters with exotic wildlife. Any off-site outreach involving animals is limited, welfare-focused and conducted under established institutional protocols.
Educational Programs
(Partner Facilities)
We collaborate with zoological institutions, wildlife centers, and educational organizations to provide structured conservation education programs. These programs support public understanding of wildlife biology, conservation challenges, and responsible animal stewardship.
All presentations are professionally supervised and designed to prioritize animal welfare while delivering science-based educational content that supports institutional conservation messaging.
Outreach Programs
We offer customized presentations for schools, summer camps, community groups, and nature centers. Programs can be tailored by age level and curriculum focus, from animal adaptations and habitats to conservation and animal care careers.
Professional Projects & Partnerships
TPCI collaborates with zoological institutions, researchers, conservation organizations and qualified educational partners on species management, husbandry, animal logistics, research and conservation communication.”
Educational Programs & Conservation Partnerships
Reach out to discuss visits, collaborations, and institutional opportunities. Please fill out the form or email us at: info@twinpineconservation.org
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Your Support Makes a Difference
As a nonprofit organization, Twin Pine Conservation Institute relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and institutions to help us provide top-quality care, enrichment, and conservation programs for rare and exotic species. Every contribution—large or small—directly supports the animals and the impact we make through education and conservation.
Corporate
Partnerships
Corporate partners play an important role in advancing our conservation mission. Businesses can support our work through financial contributions, in-kind donations, equipment sponsorship, or collaboration on conservation and education initiatives.
Partner support directly contributes to animal care, facility improvements, species management programs, and community conservation education. We recognize our partners through appropriate acknowledgment and opportunities to highlight their commitment to wildlife conservation.
Volunteer & Internship Opportunities
Dedicated volunteers and interns play an important role in supporting our conservation mission. Opportunities may include assisting with animal husbandry support, habitat and facility projects, diet preparation, enrichment activities, and conservation education programs.
Positions are seasonal and limited, with a focus on individuals committed to professional standards of animal care, safety, and wildlife welfare.
Contact us to learn more about current volunteer or internship opportunities.
Explore Our Species Programs
Our Commitment to Animal Welfare
At Twin Pine Conservation Institute (TPCI), animal welfare is foundational to our conservation mission. Our management practices are guided by species-specific behavioral needs, veterinary oversight, and evidence-based husbandry approaches that prioritize long-term physical and
psychological well-being.
Our facility emphasizes naturalistic habitat design, structured enrichment programs, and professional care protocols that support both individual animal welfare and broader conservation objectives. Human–animal interactions are carefully evaluated to
ensure they remain appropriate, limited, and aligned with the biological needs of each species.
TPCI incorporates principles informed by recognized zoological and animal welfare frameworks, adapting best practices to the unique requirements of the species and programs under our stewardship.
Through continuous staff training, habitat development, and collaboration with veterinary and welfare specialists, we remain committed to maintaining high standards of care while supporting conservation-driven outcomes.
For additional information regarding our animal care philosophy and program structure, please contact our team directly.
