World Turtle Day - This day honors two animals associated with wisdom and perseverance — turtles and tortoises.

World Turtle Day 2024 – May 23, 2024

Turtles and tortoises are common sightings in parables, stories, and pop culture and we celebrate World Turtle Day on May 23 to honor these resilient animals. Turtles and tortoises are associated with wisdom and perseverance. They are reptiles that are found in many environments all around the world. These creatures play an important role in their respective ecosystems. They dig holes that are inhabited by other creatures and keep our beaches clean by feeding on dead fish that wash up on the shores. They maintain an ecological balance and, therefore, it’s important to conserve these gentle animals.

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

1547
“The Tortoise and the Hare”

The first versions of Aesop’s fable “The Tortoise and the Hare” are published.

1990
ATR is Established

Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson establish American Tortoise Rescue.

2002
First World Turtle Day

The first World Turtle Day is celebrated by ATR.

2011
Save the Sea Turtle Stamp

USPS prints its first batch of Save the Sea Turtle Stamps and donates the proceedings from it to the species’ conservation.

World Turtle Day FAQs

When is World Turtle Day celebrated?

It is celebrated every year on May 23.

Who is the turtle god?

According to Hinduism, ‘Kurma’ is the turtle god.

Why do we celebrate World Turtle Day

World Turtle Day is celebrated to increase awareness about these creatures and ensure their protection.

How to celebrate

  1. 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!

  2. 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!

  3. 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

  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. 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.

  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 to be found

    The first turtles existed 200 million years ago alongside dinosaurs!

Why We Love World Turtle Day

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

World Turtle Day dates

Year Date Day
2023 May 23 Tuesday
2024 May 23 Thursday
2025 May 23 Friday
2026 May 23 Saturday
2027 May 23 Sunday