World Turtle Day
World Turtle Day is an annual holiday observed on May 23rd to raise awareness about the importance of protecting turtles and their disappearing habitats worldwide. The holiday was first established in 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting turtles and tortoises.
The founders of American Tortoise Rescue, Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, spearheaded the creation of World Turtle Day after a decade of relentless dedication to the conservation of these shelled creatures. They wanted to create a yearly observance to help people celebrate and protect turtles, tortoises, and their habitats.
World Turtle Day aims to raise awareness about turtles and tortoises’ threats, including habitat destruction, climate change, and poaching. Turtles and tortoises are some of the oldest and most primitive creatures on Earth, dating back to the time when dinosaurs roamed the planet. Many species of turtles and tortoises are now endangered or threatened due to human activities and environmental degradation.
On World Turtle Day, events and activities take place worldwide to celebrate turtles and tortoises and promote their conservation and protection. These events may include educational programs, habitat restoration projects, and public awareness campaigns.
See also: Saving The Turtles During Nesting Season.
World Turtle Day is an important holiday highlighting the need to protect these ancient and fascinating creatures and their habitats. By raising awareness about the issue and encouraging people to take action to protect turtles and tortoises, we can work towards ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for ourselves and for future generations.
- Donate to turtle conservation centers.
- Volunteer to help out at a turtle rescue center.
- Help clean up beaches and local parks by collecting plastic and water bottles.
- Find out what kind of turtle or tortoise is native to your region.
- Learn more about turtles and tortoises and how to protect them and their habitat.
Fun Facts:
- A turtle and a tortoise are different because turtles sometimes live in the water, while tortoises only live on the land. Turtles can live up to 40 years old, while tortoises can live up to 3,000 years old.
- There are 300 species of turtles.
- The shell is part of the skeleton, made of 50 bones.
- Turtles don’t have teeth; their upper and lower jaws have sheaths made of keratin.
- Turtles seem to prefer red, orange and yellow-coloured food.
- The American Tortoise Rescue has taken care of over 4,000 tortoises and turtles in care homes.
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