They’ve been the stuff of legend since...

They’ve been the stuff of legend since one of them outran a hare long ago. Today, they will gather in Torrance.

Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the Westchester chapter of the California Turtle and Tortoise Club will present the 28th annual Turtle and Tortoise Show.

Gathered for the show will be turtle and tortoise hobbyists, veterinarians and collectors, as well as an assortment of turtles and tortoises from as far away as the island of Madagascar, the deserts of North Africa and the vast plains of Western Russia.

The focus of the show is education, said Cathy Berrett, president of the Westchester chapter. A variety of exhibits will feature information on the many different species of turtles and tortoises and will cover such topics as diet, illness and disease, breeding, and conservation efforts, she said.

The California Turtle and Tortoise Club is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to the conservation of turtles and tortoises and their habitat. Special emphasis is given to the care, feeding and housing of turtles and tortoises in captivity.

Organizers invite people to bring their own turtles and tortoises to the show to find out more about their pets. Turtle experts and veterinarians can determine the species of the reptile, where it is from and what it should eat. They can even determine its gender--it’s not as obvious as you might think.

And for those interested in owning a turtle or tortoise, club organizers will provide information about their turtle and tortoise adoption program. Because tortoises are an endangered species in California and are protected by law, acquiring one takes more than just a trip to the pet store. Adopting a tortoise requires a permit from the California Department of Fish and Game, and given the scarcity of adoptable tortoises, there is usually a waiting list.

Today’s show takes place at the Recreation Center in the Torrance Civic Center, 3341 Torrance Blvd. The show is open to the public, and admission is $2 for adults and $1.50 for people over 60. Half-shelled creatures and children under 12 get in free when accompanied by an adult.