World Turtle Day 2025: History, Significance, Key Facts, Celebrations And More
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World Turtle Day aims to raise awareness about the struggles turtles face and to highlight their important role in the environment.
World Turtle Day 2025: Observed globally on May 23, World Turtle Day, is dedicated to raising awareness about the protection of turtles and tortoises, creatures that have existed on Earth for over 200 million years. This special day highlights the numerous threats they face, including habitat loss, illegal trade, and environmental degradation. World Turtle Day serves as a call to action to protect these ancient species and their ecosystems.
World Turtle Day 2025: History
The history of World Turtle Day dates back to 1990 when Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, a husband-and-wife duo, founded the American Tortoise Rescue (ATR). Their mission was to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect turtles and tortoises, animals that face numerous threats.
In 2000, the couple's vision evolved into the global celebration as World Turtle Day. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the struggles turtles face and to highlight their important role in the environment. Since its inception, the day has grown into an international movement, bringing together schools, conservationists, and animal lovers to celebrate and protect these remarkable creatures.
World Turtle Day 2025: Significance
Many people are unaware of the crucial role turtles and tortoises play in maintaining the balance of nature. For example, sea turtles help keep oceans healthy by controlling jellyfish populations, while tortoises contribute to soil health by digging burrows that also provide shelter for other animals. In addition, these creatures hold cultural significance in several countries.
However, turtles face numerous threats, including habitat destruction, plastic pollution, climate change, and illegal trade for pets or food. As a result, 129 out of the 300 turtle species worldwide are endangered.
World Turtle Day serves to highlight these challenges and encourages individuals to take responsibility for the survival of these reptiles. It reminds us that small actions, such as reducing plastic waste or supporting conservation efforts, can have a significant impact.
World Turtle Day 2025: Key Facts
Turtles have existed for over 200 million years, predating snakes, crocodiles, and even dinosaurs.
Many confuse turtles and tortoises; turtles live in water (sea or freshwater), while tortoises are land-dwellers. Tortoises can live up to 300 years, whereas turtles typically live 40–70 years.
Turtles play a crucial role in maintaining ocean ecosystems by eating dead fish and seagrass, while tortoises create habitats through their burrows.
With threats such as plastic pollution and illegal trade, 129 of the 300 turtle species are endangered.
Some turtles can breathe through their cloaca, allowing them to stay underwater longer.
World Turtle Day 2025: Celebration
First Published:
May 23, 2025, 07:10 IST
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