World Turtle Day
May 23, 2017
World Turtle Day is celebrated around the world on May 23 every year. It is observed to bring awareness, attention, knowledge of Turtles and Tortoises and to help them survive and thrive.
World Turtle Day is sponsored by American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) a nonprofit organisation formed in the year 2000 to help people to observe and protect Turtles and Tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world.
Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, founders of ATR, advocate humane treatment of all animals, including reptiles. Since 1990, ATR has placed about 4,000 Tortoises and Turtles in caring homes. ATR assists law enforcement when undersize or endangered turtles are confiscated and provides helpful information and referrals to persons with sick, neglected or abandoned turtles.
Difference between Turtles and Tortoises
• A Turtle is a reptile from the Chelonian family and dwells well in the water.
• A Tortoise is a reptile from the Chelonian family and dwells well on land.
Tips to save Turtles/Tortoises
a turtle or tortoise from a pet shop as it increases demand from the wild.
of any turtle or tortoise of any kind less than four inches. This is illegal.
Turtles or Tortoises from the wild unless they are sick or injured.
or illegal sales of turtles and tortoises to your local animal control shelter.
If a tortoise is crossing a busy street, pick it up and send it in the same direction it was going – if you try to make it go back, it will turn right around again.
to legislators asking them to keep sensitive habitat preserved or closed to off road vehicles, and to prevent off shore drilling that can lead to more endangered sea turtle deaths.
Source: www.en.wikipedia.org / www.worldturtleday.org
Image Credit: www.charfade.deviantart.com
