Learn more fun facts on the World Turtle Day Video Page.
- Categories:
- Animal
- Tags:
- AwarenessConservationWildlife
- Where:
- World
- Date change rule:
- Every May 23
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐢
World Turtle Day champions the protection of turtles and tortoises every May 23. These ancient reptiles, revered for their wisdom and resilience, face numerous threats globally. Learn about their vital ecological roles, from maintaining clean beaches to creating habitats for other creatures, and discover how you can contribute to their conservation.
Want to sponsor World Turtle Day? Learn how
Expected World Turtle Day Deals
World Turtle Day is a prime opportunity for conservation organizations and their partners to drive fundraising and awareness. Expect organizations like the American Tortoise Rescue and the Sea Turtle Conservancy to launch donation drives, educational campaigns, and adoption programs. Retailers such as Lush Cosmetics often release limited-edition products with proceeds benefiting turtle conservation. Pet supply stores like PetSmart and Petco may offer discounts on turtle care supplies, while zoos and aquariums like San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance will host special educational events. Companies like Patagonia, known for their environmental commitment, might highlight their support for marine life protection. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns as May 23 approaches.
Platform Guide for World Turtle Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WorldTurtleDay. Share stunning photos or short videos highlighting the beauty and plight of turtles and tortoises, encouraging followers to support conservation.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #WorldTurtleDay. Post compelling facts, news updates on conservation efforts, or calls to action to protect turtle habitats. Engage with leading conservation accounts.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #WorldTurtleDay. Create community discussions around local turtle populations, share educational resources, and promote virtual events hosted by conservation groups.
World Turtle Day Hero
Archie Carr
History of World Turtle Day
It’s easy to get confused between a tortoise and turtle. The main difference between the two is that turtles sometimes live in the water, while tortoises only live on the land. Turtles live up to the age of 40 and have streamlined and mostly flat shells. On the other hand, tortoises can live up to 300 years and they have larger, more domed shells. You will mostly find turtles in the sea, while tortoises inhabit dense jungles and grasslands.
Turtles and tortoises are two different animals but this day is dedicated to celebrating and protecting both. The day was first celebrated by American Tortoise Rescue in 2002 and it highlights the suffering and the dwindling numbers of these animals due to human interference and environmental hazards. Schools, rescue centers, and nature lovers all come together on this day to learn more about these creatures and pledge their allegiance to help save them.
American Tortoise Rescue was created by Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson. They organize charity drives and actively work to spread awareness for the critical conditions of these shelled reptiles. The couple is known for their humane treatment of all animals, including reptiles. Since its establishment in 1990, American Tortoise Rescue has given homes to over 4,000 tortoises and turtles. The organization also assists their local law enforcement in guarding turtles’ natural habitats and tending to them when they are sick.
World Turtle Day timeline
The first versions of Aesop’s fable “The Tortoise and the Hare” are published.
Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson establish American Tortoise Rescue.
The first World Turtle Day is celebrated by ATR.
USPS prints its first batch of Save the Sea Turtle Stamps and donates the proceedings from it to the species’ conservation.
How Businesses Can Celebrate World Turtle Day
Local businesses can champion World Turtle Day by raising awareness and supporting conservation. Pet stores can host educational events on responsible turtle care, partnering with local rescues for adoption drives. Restaurants might offer a ‘turtle-themed’ special with a portion of proceeds donated to a conservation group. Retailers can promote products made from sustainable materials, highlighting the impact of plastic pollution on marine life. Consider a ’round up at the register’ campaign for a reputable turtle charity, engaging customers in a direct way.
World Turtle Day FAQs
When is World Turtle Day?
In 2027, World Turtle Day will be observed on Sunday, May 23, making it an ideal day for family-friendly educational activities and outdoor events. It’s a chance to reflect on the vital role these reptiles play in ecosystems worldwide.
How many species of turtles and tortoises are there?
Scientists continue to discover and classify new species, but the current count hovers around 360, encompassing both freshwater and marine turtles, as well as terrestrial tortoises. Conservation efforts are crucial as many face critical survival challenges.
What are the biggest threats to turtles and tortoises?
The primary dangers to these reptiles include human development encroaching on their natural habitats, poaching for food and traditional medicine, and entanglement in fishing gear. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events also pose increasing risks to coastal nesting areas.
What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise?
The key distinction lies in their habitat and physical adaptations: turtles thrive in water and have flatter shells, whereas tortoises are exclusively terrestrial and possess more rounded, robust shells. Both are chelonians, part of the same order of reptiles.
How to celebrate
Adopt a turtle
Adopt a turtle or a tortoise from the rescue shelter. These creatures make for hassle-free pets. They do need much attention and are perfect pets for young children!
Donate to turtle conservation centers
You may want to donate to local tortoise conservation centers as well as American Tortoise Rescue. No amount is small and your donation will go a long way!
Volunteer to help out
You could sign up at a turtle rescue center and volunteer to help out. Volunteers can help out by tending to sick turtles, feeding them, etc.!
5 Facts About Turtles That Will Blow Your Mind
The shell is part of the skeleton
The shell is the most distinguished part of a turtle and experts say that it is made of 50 bones!
It is one of the most illegally traded animals
Turtles and tortoises are illegally traded for their meat, shell, and skin — this has led to the endangerment of the creatures.
There are 300 species of turtles
Turtles may all look the same to us but there are actually 300 species of them — of these, 129 are endangered.
Turtles are cold-blooded animals
Turtles are cold-blooded animals with a slow metabolism — their long lifespan is often attributed to this.
They are one of the oldest creatures to be found
The first turtles existed 200 million years ago alongside dinosaurs!
Why We Love World Turtle Day
It’s socially responsible
We inhabit the planet with countless different creatures. World Turtle Day reminds us to be respectful of the ecological balance and sensitive to our animal friends.
It promises a better future
World Turtle Day promises a better future where humans and turtles can coexist peacefully. Protecting these animals means protecting our own future.
A special day for animal lovers
Animal lovers look forward to this day to do their bit for the conservation of turtles and tortoises. It’s a great day to volunteer, raise awareness, and donate.
Social Media Tips for World Turtle Day
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