Shellabrate World Turtle Day!
May 23 is World Turtle Day! Why do we have a World Turtle Day? Because turtles and tortoises need our help!
These gentle creatures can be easy to overlook. They’re pretty quiet, for one thing. They move slowly. They don’t ask a lot of the human world.
Except: to keep their habitats clean and intact. And to avoid removing them from these habitats. And to develop good climate habits so that the earth can continue to support turtles and tortoises and all other species.
What’s the difference between turtles and tortoises? Tortoises are land creatures who like grasslands and dense jungles, while turtles spend some of their time in the water. Turtles live about 40 years while tortoises can live up to 300 years! And turtles are smaller with flattish shells. Tortoises, on the other hand, have larger, domed shells.
But both animals need our protection. More than half of the world’s turtle and tortoise species are threatened with extinction. Why? Loss of habitat, the pet trade, overconsumption for food and medicine, pollution, invasive species, and climate change.
World Turtle Day was introduced in 2000 as a way to bring attention to the plight of turtles and tortoises. It is sponsored by the American Tortoise Rescue. Around the world, people use the day to learn about turtles, donate to turtle conservation associations, volunteer at turtle rescue centers, or even adopt a turtle from a reputable rescue shelter.
How are you going to shellabrate World Turtle Day?
Learn more about turtles and other reptiles in this nonfiction picture book!
