World Turtle Day is celebrated every year, on May 23. Turtles and tortoises are common sightings in legends, stories, and pop culture. This day is celebrated to honor these resilient animals. They are associated with perseverance and wisdom. Turtles and tortoises are found in many environments all around the world. These reptiles play an essential role in their respective ecosystems. They keep beaches clean by feeding on dead fish that wash up on the shores and they dig holes that are inhabited by other creatures. it is crucial to conserve these gentle animals as they maintain an ecological balance.
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History
To get confused between a tortoise and a turtle is very easy. The major difference between the two is that tortoises live only on the land, while turtles sometimes live in the water. Tortoises can live approximately 300 years and they have larger, more domed shells. On the other hand, turtles live up to the age of 40 and have streamlined and mostly flat shells. Tortoises inhabit dense jungles and grasslands, while you will mostly find turtles in the sea.
Tortoises and turtles are two separate animals but this day is dedicated to honoring and protecting both. In 2002, the day was first celebrated by American Tortoise Rescue. This day highlights the suffering and the decreasing numbers of these animals due to environmental hazards and human interference. In order to learn more about these creatures and pledge their allegiance to help save them, schools, rescue centers, and nature lovers all come together on this day.
Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson created American Tortoise Rescue. They actively work to spread awareness of the critical conditions of these shelled reptiles by organizing charity drives. The couple is known for their compassionate treatment of all animals, as well as reptiles. American Tortoise Rescue has given homes to over 4,000 tortoises and turtles since its establishment in 1990. The organization also helps their local law enforcement in protecting turtles’ natural habitats and providing care for them when they are sick.
Timeline of World Turtle Day
1547 (“The Tortoise and the Hare”) – Aesop’s fable’s first versions of “The Tortoise and the Hare” were published.
1990 (ATR was Established) – Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson established American Tortoise Rescue.
2002 (First World Turtle Day) – The first World Turtle Day was celebrated by ATR.
2011 (Save the Sea Turtle Stamp) – USPS printed its first batch of Save the Sea Turtle Stamps and donated the proceeds from it to the species’ conservation.
FAQs About World Turtle Day
1) When is World Turtle Day celebrated?
The celebration of this day takes place every year on May 23.
2) Who is the turtle god?
“Kurma” is the turtle god according to Hinduism.
3) Why do we celebrate World Turtle Day?
This day is celebrated to raise awareness about these creatures and ensure their protection.
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How To Celebrate World Turtle Day
Adopt a tortoise or a turtle – Adopt these creatures from the rescue shelter. They make for hassle-free pets. They do require much attention and are perfect pets for young children.
Make a donation to turtle conservation centers – You may want to donate to local tortoise conservation centers as well as American Tortoise Rescue. Your donation will go a long way because no amount is small.
Help out by volunteering – You could volunteer to help out by signing up at a turtle rescue center. Volunteers can help out by caring for sick turtles, feeding them, etc.
5 Interesting Facts About Turtles
#1 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.
#2 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.
#3 300 species of turtles exist – There are actually 300 species of turtles, though, they may all look the same to us — of these, 129 are endangered.
#4 Turtles are cold-blooded animals – Turtles are cold-blooded animals with a slow metabolism — their long lifespan is often attributed to this.
#5 They are one of the oldest creatures – The first turtles existed 200 million years ago next to dinosaurs.
Why Do We Love World Turtle Day?
It is socially responsible – We populate the planet with numerous different creatures. World Turtle Day reminds us to be sensitive to our animal friends and respectful of the ecological balance.
It promises a better tomorrow – World Turtle Day pledges a better future where turtles and humans can live together peacefully. Safeguarding these animals means safeguarding our own future.
A unique day for animal lovers – Animal lovers look forward to this day to do their bit for the conservation of turtles and tortoises. It is a great day to volunteer, increase awareness, and make a donation.
