World Turtle Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Turtle

Turtles and tortoises are common in parables, stories, and popular culture, and on May 23, we observe World Turtle Day to honour these resilient creatures. Turtles and tortoises are associated with intelligence and tenacity. They are reptiles that inhabit numerous habitats across the globe. These organisms perform crucial roles in their respective ecosystems. They keep our beaches clean by feeding on dead fish that wash up on the shores, and they excavate holes that are inhabited by other animals. It is essential to preserve these gentle creatures because they maintain ecological equilibrium.

The background of World Turtle Day

It is simple to conflate a tortoise and a turtle. The primary distinction between the two is that turtles sometimes inhabit water, whereas tortoises only inhabit land. Turtles can live up to 40 years and have shells that are streamlined and predominantly flat. Tortoises, on the other hand, can live up to 300 years and have larger, more dome-shaped carapace. Turtles are primarily found in the ocean, whereas tortoises inhabit dense forests and grasslands.

Turtles and tortoises are two distinct species, but this day honours and protects both of them. American Tortoise Rescue began commemorating this day in 2002, and it highlights the suffering and dwindling population of tortoises due to human interference and environmental hazards. On this day, schools, rescue centres, and nature enthusiasts join together to learn more about these creatures and pledge to help save them.

Susan Tellom and Marshall Thompson established the American Tortoise Rescue. They organise charity campaigns and work tirelessly to raise awareness about the plight of these shelled reptiles. The couple is renowned for their compassion towards all creatures, including reptiles. American Tortoise Rescue has found homes for over 4,000 tortoises and turtles since its founding in 1990. Additionally, the organisation facilitates local law enforcement in protecting turtles’ natural habitats and treating sick turtles.

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5 TURTLE FACTS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND

The shell is the most distinctive feature of a turtle, and according to experts, it is composed of fifty bones!

The illegal commerce of turtles and tortoises for their meat, shell, and skin has resulted in their extinction.

There are 300 species of turtles, 129 of which are endangered, despite the fact that they may all appear to be the same.

Turtles are cold-blooded animals with a sluggish metabolism, which is commonly attributed to their extended lifespan.

The first tortoises existed alongside dinosaurs 200 million years ago!

WORLD TURTLE DAY DATES