World Turtle Day 2023

4 minute read
10 shares
world turtle day 2023

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.

World Turtle Day: History

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.

Also Read: World Health Day 2023

Significance

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.

World Turtle Day Theme 2023

The theme of this World Turtle Day is “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.

These gentle reptiles are here “to bring us joy and make us love them as much as we do with cuddly cats and dogs. They are more than just shells with legs,” says Tellem.

5 Interesting Facts About Turtles  

World Turtle Day
Learn interesting turtle facts on this World Turtle Day 2023

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.

Also Read: Important Days & Dates 2023: National & International Days

How to Celebrate World Turtle Day 2023?

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 a volunteer. In this way, students can assist in tending to the sick turtles, and feed them.

World Turtle Day Dates 

World Turtle Day will be celebrated on May 23rd, 2023. 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 
202323 MayTuesday
202423 MayThursday
202523 MayFriday
202623 MaySaturday

Timeline 

The timeline of this day is as follows :

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

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

So to sum up, World Turtle Day is celebrated on 23 May 2023. The day recognises the importance of turtles and gives an opportunity for people to generate awareness about the same. The origin of the celebration can be traced back to the establishment of ATR by Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson. People can celebrate this day by donating to the turtle rescue centers, or by adopting a turtle.

FAQs

1. What is the theme for World Turtle Day 2023?

The theme of World Turtle Day 2023 is “I love turtles”.

2. What happens on World Turtle Day?

The World Turtle Day recognised the noble reptiles and their place on Earth. Moreover, people are encouraged to protect all the species of turtles.

3. Is the turtle lucky or not?

In many cultures, turtles are considered to be a symbol of luck. It is believed to bring good health, longevity, and good luck.

We hope that this blog provides you with all the information regarding Word Turtle Day 2023. To stay updated on all trending events, make sure to subscribe to Leverage Edu. Thank you for reading!

Leave a Reply

Required fields are marked *

*

*