Every year, on May 23rd, we commemorate World Turtle Day. This global celebration aims to increase knowledge and understanding about the different species of turtles and tortoises that contribute significantly to the ecological health of our planet. The day is filled with varied educational events and is a concerted effort to advocate for the preservation and safeguarding of these endangered creatures and their habitats.
World Turtle Day drives home the crucial need for the conservation of these incredible creatures.
History of World Turtle Day
The American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a non-profit organization founded by Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson in 1990, first commemorated World Turtle Day in the year 2000. The purpose of the day is to honor, preserve, and bring awareness to the risks faced by different types of turtles and tortoises, especially those on the brink of extinction.
Tellem and Thompson, through the ATR, have dedicated their lives to coming to the aid of turtles and tortoises that are wounded, mistreated, sick or abandoned. They founded World Turtle Day, observed annually on May 23rd, after noticing a widespread indifference and lack of support for these unique species globally.
The intent behind inaugurating World Turtle Day was to spark global engagement in efforts to ensure the survival and welfare of turtles and tortoises. It also aims to offer knowledge about the roles humans can play in safeguarding their habitats.
Each year, communities worldwide, including those in the United States, Canada, Pakistan, Australia, Nepal, and the United Kingdom, celebrate World Turtle Day with a variety of turtle-centric events, educational activities, social media movements, and individual initiatives to protect turtle habitats.
Thanks to World Turtle Day, an international celebration created by ATR, more people are now aware of the critical position of turtles and tortoises in our ecosystem and the urgent need for conservation.
World Turtle Day Timeline
Appearance of Turtles
Fossil evidence shows that turtles appeared during the Mesozoic Era, in the late Triassic Period.
Domestication of Turtles
Humans started to domesticate turtles, mainly as pets and as sources of food and medicine.
Turtles in Culture
Turtles became important cultural symbols to many civilizations, including Native Americans who viewed them as symbols of longevity and wisdom.
Endangered Species Act
Many turtle species became protected under the Endangered Species Act due to habitat loss, poaching, and pet trade.
Inception of World Turtle Day
The American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) sponsors World Turtle Day on May 23 to increase respect and knowledge for turtles and tortoises.
Current Status of Turtles
Despite conservation efforts, many turtle species are considered vulnerable or endangered, and their survival remains a concern.
Ideas to Celebrate World Turtle Day
Turtle Charity Donation
Check out local charities and foundations that work towards turtle protection and conservation. Make a donation or even better, organize a fundraising event to collect funds to support these organizations.
Educational Workshop
Create an educational workshop to educate people about turtles. Bring in a marine biologist or a conservationist to talk about the importance of turtles in our ecosystem and what each of us can do to help protect them.
Turtle Beach Clean-up
Organize a local beach clean-up event. Many turtles' habitats are being destroyed by pollution particularly plastic waste. Apart from cleaning up, you could set up informative signs to educate people about the dangers of littering to marine life.
Turtle Adoption
Promote 'Adopt a Turtle' schemes run by many wildlife organisations. This usually involves a donation that goes towards the care and preservation of turtles and in return, you receive updates and exclusive information about the turtle you sponsored.
Create Turtle Crafts
Organize a turtle craft day. This is a fun way for children to engage with World Turtle Day. They can make and decorate a turtle using recycled materials. In the process you can educate them about turtles and conservation efforts.
8 Interesting Facts About Turtles
Extraordinary Lifespan
Turtles are known for their incredibly long life spans. Some turtles have been known to live well past a hundred years, with the oldest known turtle reaching a stunning 188 years old.
Exceptional Species Diversity
There are approximately 310 known species of turtles worldwide, each with its own unique characteristics and adaptations.
Outstanding Divers
Unlike humans, turtles don't have lungs, but they can hold their breath for a very long time. Leatherback Sea Turtles can dive deeper than 1,000 meters in search of their prey.
Turtles vs. Tortoises
While often used interchangeably, 'turtle' and 'tortoise' are not the same. In general, turtles dwell in water and have webbed feet, whereas tortoises are land creatures and have round, stumpy legs.
Protective Shell Design
The tortoise's shell is a part of its skeleton, composed of over 50 bones. It functions both as a shield from predators and also as protection against harsh climates.
Cold-blooded Creatures
Like all reptiles, turtles are ectothermic, or cold-blooded. This means that they do not have an internal system that adjusts their body temperature; rather, they depend on their environment for heat regulation.
Turtles Have Been Around A Long Time
The oldest known turtle fossils date back to the Jurasic period, making them some of the most ancient reptile groups. They are believed to have existed more than 200 million years ago.
Turtle Communication
Turtles use a variety of sounds to communicate with each other. These include hisses, grunts, and even underwater vocalizations that we can't hear without special equipment.
World Turtle Day FAQs
Next World Turtle Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 23rd | Tuesday |
| 2024 | May 23rd | Thursday |
| 2025 | May 23rd | Friday |
| 2026 | May 23rd | Saturday |
| 2027 | May 23rd | Sunday |
| What is the pattern? | Every May 23rd | |
World Turtle Day Word Search
- Turtle
- Awareness
- Conservation
- Ocean
- Shell
- Tortoise