World Turtle Day 2024- History & Significance

World Turtle Day is celebrated every year on 23 May. The day is recognized to raise awareness about protecting turtles and their habitats. More than 300 species of turtles exist on the planet. Several of them are endangered due to pollution, habitat loss, and hunting. Turtles are important because they help in the balance of aquatic and terrestrial environments. The World Turtle Day helps to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the turtles. Moreover, the day is also about encouraging people to stop using turtle products and reduce pollution.

History of World Turtle Day

• The American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) is an organization founded by Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson.
• ATR was established in 1990 and was the only sanctuary in the US for turtles and tortoises.
• The founders of the ATR were also involved in rescuing turtles after adopting 2 captive bred desert tortoise hatchlings. Thus, ATR came to be known around the world. 
• This day was established by ATR itself in 2000.
• The goal was to generate awareness among the people regarding the protection of these ancient creatures. Since then, it has become an important day for conservationists and animal lovers.

Timeline 

The timeline of this day is as follows :

Date	Event
1547	Aesop’s fable ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’ was published for the 1st time
1990	ATR was established by Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson
2002	The 1st World Turtle Day was celebrated by ATR
2011	The Save the Sea Turtle stamp was printed by USPS. The earnings from the stamp was donated for the conservation of the species

Also Read: World Health Day

World Turtle Day Dates 

The day was established by ATR, the animal rescue organization for the adoption, rehabilitation, and protection of tortoise and turtle species around the world. Susan Tellem has the trademark for this day. 

World Turtle Day Dates
2023	23 May	Tuesday
2024	23 May	Thursday
2025	23 May	Friday
2026	23 May	Saturday

What is the Significance of World Turtle Day?

The global community comes together on World Turtle Day to celebrate the existence of these magnificent animals and to address the urgent need for their conservation.

According to ATR, 61% of the turtles in the world are either endangered or extinct. “The best place for turtles is in the wild, but sadly this is not always feasible,” says Tellem.

Turtles face many threats from human activities, such as being sold by street vendors, kept in pet stores, or exploited as prizes in carnival games. However, World Turtle Day sparks awareness and hope for these beloved beings. Many rescues and sanctuaries have been established, offering a better future for these cherished creatures.

What is the Theme of World Turtle Day in 2024?

The official theme of World Turtle Day in 2024 has not been released yet. In 2023, the theme was “I love turtles“, featuring a turtle called Mr Mudd and invites global viewers to appreciate the existence of these reptiles who have been on this planet for ages.

Also Read: National Endangered Species Day 2024- History and Significance

5 Interesting Facts About Turtles  

Here are some interesting facts about turtles that will blow your mind.

• Turtles and Tortoises are the most illegally traded animals. Turtles are in demand for their meat, shell, and skin. As a result, they have started coming under the endangered animals.
• More than 300 species of turtles exist around the world. However, 129 of these species have become endangered.
• Turtles have a slow metabolism and have cold blood. The slow metabolism is the reason turtles are slow and have a long lifespan,
• Turtles are one of the oldest creatures in the world. The origin of the first turtle has been traced back to 200 million years ago.

How to Celebrate World Turtle Day?

Here are some of the steps you can take to celebrate this day.

• To celebrate World Turtle Day students can adopt a turtle from the rescue shelter. Turtles can be great pets for children as they need attention but are hassle-free.
• Another way to celebrate the day is to donate to turtle conservation centres. 
• Students can also sign up at a turtle centre and offer to work as volunteers. In this way, students can assist in tending to the sick turtles, and feed them.

Also read: 60+ Slogans on World Environment Day with Pictures

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