World Turtle Day® on May 23, 2022, is sponsored by American Tortoise Rescue. Prepare for a flurry of activity on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms. Download the entertaining WorldTurtleDay Party Pack.
American Tortoise Rescue, a non-profit organisation founded in 1990 to protect all tortoise and turtle species, is sponsoring our annual World Turtle Day® on May 23. The day was established as a yearly observance to encourage people to celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises, as well as their disappearing habitats, around the world.
The founders of ATR and World Turtle Day, Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, advocate for the humane treatment of all animals, including reptiles. ATR has placed over 4,000 tortoises and turtles in loving homes since 1990. When law enforcement confiscates undersized or endangered turtles, ATR provides helpful information and referrals to people who have sick, neglected, or abandoned turtles.
Tips from American Tortoise Rescue
Never Buy: a turtle or tortoise from a pet shop as it increases demand from the wild.
Never Remove: turtles or tortoises from the wild unless they are sick or injured.
Emergency Care: turtles or tortoises from the wild unless they are sick or injured.
Report The Sale: of any turtle or tortoise of any kind less than four inches. This is illegal throughout the U.S.
Report the Cruelty: or illegal sales of turtles and tortoises to your local animal control shelter.
Write Letters: 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.
Learn More About American Tortoise Rescue