| Event | World Turtle Day |
| Date | Observed annually on May 23 |
| Purpose | Raise awareness about the conservation of turtles and tortoises |
| Founders | Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson of American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Organization | American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), established in 1990 |
| Ecological Role | - Sea turtles control jellyfish populations and maintain seagrass beds. |
| - Land tortoises aerate soil and disperse seeds. |
| Cultural Significance | Symbolize longevity, wisdom, and resilience in many cultures. |
| Threats | - Habitat destruction due to urban development, climate change, and pollution. |
| - Plastic waste causes health issues and fatalities. |
| - Poaching and illegal trade for shells, meat, or as pets. |
| Conservation Status | 129 out of 300 turtle species are endangered. |
| Educational Activities | - Workshops, exhibitions, and turtle-themed activities in schools, zoos, and conservation centers. |
| - Social media campaigns with hashtags like #WorldTurtleDay. |
| Ways to Contribute | - Adopt a turtle or tortoise from a rescue center. |
| - Volunteer or donate to conservation organizations. |
| - Join beach cleanup drives. |
| - Support legislation and community projects. |
| Fascinating Facts | - Turtles predate dinosaurs, existing for over 200 million years. |
| - Tortoises can live up to 300 years; turtles live 40-70 years. |
| - Some turtles breathe through their cloaca, enabling longer underwater stays. |
| - They clean ecosystems by eating dead fish and decaying plant matter. |
