Turtles are important to the marine environment. (Image: shutterstock)
World Turtle Day is celebrated around the world to raise awareness about the need to protect turtles and tortoises and their nesting sites.
World Turtle Day 2023: World Turtle Day is observed every year on 23 May to help people understand the importance of turtles and tortoises. Turtles are important to the marine environment. They control populations of jellyfish and sponges, and maintain the length of seagrass, which provides oxygen to the ocean. Their eggshells help enrich coastal vegetation. Turtle babies are food for raccoons, birds and fish. On the other hand, turtles live on land. They have large, heavy shells and are not capable of swimming. Turtle populations around the world are slowly declining due to habitat destruction, artificial lighting, the turtle trade, climate change, and pollution.
World Turtle Day 2023: History
The celebration of World Turtle Day was started in the year 2000 by the non-profit American Turtle Rescue Organization. The organization was founded in 1990 by Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson in Malibu, California.
World Turtle Day 2023: Significance
World Turtle Day is celebrated around the world to raise awareness about the need to protect turtles and tortoises and their nesting sites. The day also urges citizens, law enforcement agencies, policy makers and governments to stop illegal turtle trade.
Thousands of turtles nest on the beaches of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India. However, the economic development and modernization of the region has threatened their existence today. It is essential that the nesting sites of turtles, on the respective beaches, should be protected at all costs to prevent their extinction.
World Turtle Day 2023: Celebrations
World Turtle Day can be celebrated by adopting a turtle or tortoise, but they cannot be bought. One can give financial support to total conservation centers and can also volunteer as a rescue worker.
World Turtle Day 2023: Quotes & Messages
- “Look at the giant girth tortoise, he holds the earth on his shell. If you want to run and play, come today with Beam. – Stephen Kingbarren land
- “… the world went on spinning and the tortoise went on.” , Terry Pratchett, raising steam
- Let us save these little turtles by showing our responsibility as a human being…. Let us work hard to save these species from extinction. Let us all celebrate World Turtle Day together.
- World Turtle Day reminds us all that we should focus on creating more awareness about turtles and do our little bit to save their lives…. Best wishes to you on this day.
- Whenever you visit a beach, always remember that every garbage you throw in the sea will cause the death of turtles…. Don’t be a killer, be a savior!!!! Happy Turtle Day to you.