World Turtle Day

On May 23rd, turtle and tortoise enthusiasts worldwide gather to celebrate the International World Turtle Day®, an event created by the American Tortoise Rescue (ATR). Established in 1990, ATR is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting all species of turtles and tortoises. The celebration aims to increase respect for and knowledge about one of the world’s oldest creatures through educational events, parties, fundraisers, and social media engagement.

History of World Turtle Day

World Turtle Day was founded in 2000 by Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, co-founders of the American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle. The day was created as an annual observance to help people celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world. ​¹

Susan Tellem, RN, BSN, executive director of the ATR sanctuary, co-founded the organization with her husband Marshall Thompson. They have since rescued and rehomed thousands of turtles and tortoises while providing education to turtle lovers across the globe.

World Turtle Day showcases these incredible creatures’ unique characteristics as they can live for more than a century while displaying humor, affection, and distinct personalities. However, despite having survived over 200 million years on Earth, turtles face numerous threats such as smuggling, habitat destruction, cruel pet trade practices, and live exotic food markets. Currently, approximately 61% of turtle species are considered threatened or already extinct.

Education plays a vital role in addressing these challenges across all countries globally. Ideally suited to life in the wild when given a safe environment where they can thrive alongside their natural companions in searching for food and procreating; unfortunately many fall victim to ill-suited captivity conditions due to misconceptions about their care needs.

Thankfully there are now many sanctuaries available that provide homes where these gentle beings can live long lives safely. Joining others in celebrating World Turtle Day offers a way for people everywhere to highlight conservation efforts dedicated to preserving these remarkable animals.

By following @WorldTurtleDay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram everyone can find fun tips on how best enjoy this special day together. Through sharing love for these beautiful creatures on social media, everyone can make a positive impact on our planet’s turtle population every day of the year.

Since its inception, World Turtle Day has grown into a global movement, with activities ranging from educational events and conservation efforts to social media campaigns and community clean-ups. The day is promoted by dressing up as turtles, wearing green, saving turtles caught on highways, engaging in research, and adopting turtles or tortoises from rehabilitation centers. ​

Why is World Turtle Day important?

Turtles and tortoises have existed for over 200 million years, predating many other species, including dinosaurs. Despite their longevity, these reptiles face numerous threats today, including habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and illegal wildlife trade. World Turtle Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect these ancient creatures and their habitats.​

The day also highlights the ecological importance of turtles and tortoises. They play vital roles in their ecosystems, such as maintaining healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs, controlling jellyfish populations, and aiding in nutrient cycling. By raising awareness and promoting conservation efforts, World Turtle Day contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and the health of our planet.​

• Raises awareness about the threats facing turtles and tortoises
• Promotes conservation efforts to protect these ancient reptiles
• Highlights the ecological importance of turtles and tortoises
• Encourages responsible pet ownership and discourages illegal trade
• Fosters global collaboration to ensure the survival of these species​

How to Celebrate World Turtle Day

Celebrating World Turtle Day can be both fun and impactful. Individuals can participate by wearing green or turtle-themed clothing, sharing information on social media, or organizing community events to raise awareness about turtle conservation. Educational institutions can incorporate turtle-related topics into their curriculum, host guest speakers, or organize field trips to local wildlife centers.​

Supporting organizations dedicated to turtle and tortoise conservation is another meaningful way to contribute. This can include donating to reputable nonprofits, volunteering for habitat restoration projects, or adopting turtles and tortoises from rescue centers. Additionally, individuals can make lifestyle changes, such as reducing plastic use and supporting sustainable seafood, to help protect marine environments.​

• Wear green or turtle-themed clothing to show support
• Share educational content about turtles and tortoises on social media
• Organize or participate in community clean-up events
• Donate to or volunteer with turtle conservation organizations
• Adopt a turtle or tortoise from a reputable rescue center​

Fun facts about turtles

• Turtles have been on Earth for over 200 million years, surviving even the dinosaurs.
• Unlike many reptiles, turtles can’t leave their shells — it’s a permanent part of their skeleton.
• Sea turtles navigate thousands of miles and return to the exact beach where they were born to lay their eggs.
• The leatherback sea turtle is the largest turtle species and can grow over 7 feet long and weigh more than 2,000 pounds.

• Some turtles can breathe through their butts — they use a process called cloacal respiration, especially when hibernating underwater.
• Turtles have incredible lifespans — some species can live over 100 years in the wild.
• Turtles don’t have teeth — instead, they have sharp beaks that help them eat plants, insects, or jellyfish depending on the species.

• Their vision is well-adapted for seeing underwater, and they can even distinguish colors.
• Galápagos tortoises can go for a year or more without food or water by storing nutrients in their bodies.

• The sex of a baby turtle is determined by the temperature of the nest — warmer sand tends to produce females, cooler sand males.
• Sadly, all seven species of sea turtles are listed as threatened or endangered, mainly due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
• Some freshwater turtles can survive freezing temperatures by slowing their metabolism and absorbing oxygen through their skin.
• Turtles use low-frequency sounds to communicate — especially sea turtle hatchlings, which may chirp to synchronize hatching.
• The box turtle can fully close its she’ll like a box, thanks to a hinge in the bottom part of the shell.

• Turtles are ancient symbols of wisdom and longevity in many cultures — including Chinese, Native American, and Hindu traditions.

World Turtle Day Dates Table

Reviewed by HolidayToday Staff

1. https://www.worldturtleday.org/[↩]