World Turtle Day

World Turtle Day, observed on May 23rd, raises awareness about turtles and tortoises worldwide and promotes efforts to protect their habitats and address the numerous conservation threats many species face. The observance was established in 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue and protection of turtles and tortoises, founded by Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, who sought to create a dedicated day highlighting these often-overlooked reptiles' ecological importance and the significant threats they face. Turtles and tortoises are among the planet's oldest surviving reptile groups, with a fossil record extending back over 200 million years, predating dinosaurs, yet a substantial proportion of the roughly 360 known turtle and tortoise species worldwide are now classified as threatened or endangered, facing pressures including habitat loss, illegal wildlife trafficking for the exotic pet trade and traditional medicine markets, plastic pollution particularly harmful to marine sea turtle species that often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, and, for many freshwater species, being struck by vehicles while crossing roads during nesting migrations. The observance encourages a range of protective actions, including reducing single-use plastic consumption, supporting habitat conservation organizations, avoiding the purchase of turtles as pets from unsustainable or illegal sources, and helping turtles safely cross roads when encountered during nesting season, while zoos, aquariums, and wildlife organizations often host educational programming to mark the day.