23 May 2017: World Turtle Day®

American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle, is celebrating its 17th annual World Turtle Day® on 23 May. ATR created the “shellebration” to celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world. Now celebrated around the globe, turtle and tortoise lovers are taking “shellfies” and holding “shellebrations” in America, Canada, Pakistan, Borneo, India, Australia, the United Kingdom, and many other countries.

ATR launched World Turtle Day® to increase respect and knowledge for the world’s oldest creatures. Turtles have been around for 200 million years, yet they are rapidly disappearing as a result of smuggling, the exotic food industry, habitat destruction, global warming, and the pet trade.

Biologists and other experts predict the disappearance of turtles and tortoises within the next 50 years. Adults and children can do a few small things that can help save turtles and tortoises for future generations.

ATR’s ultimate goal is to stop the illegal trade in turtles and tortoises around the world. For example, many people buy sulcata tortoises as an impulse because they are so adorable when they are tiny. Pet stores may not tell the buyers that this tortoise can grow to 100 pounds (45 kilograms) or more and needs constant heat throughout the year because they do not hibernate.

ATR also educates people and schools about the real risk of contracting salmonella from water turtles. Wash hands thoroughly every time you touch a turtle or its water, and do not bring turtles into schools or homes where children are under the age of 12.

https://www.worldturtleday.org

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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