7 Do’s and Don’ts on World Turtle Day, Plus How You Can Help a Great Organization!

A tiny turtle that we saved from the busy bike path at a nearby park. We put him closer to the water, which is where he was headed.

Today is World Turtle Day, started in 2000 to increase respect for and knowledge of the world’s oldest animal and to help people celebrate and protect them and their disappearing habitats worldwide.

Turtles and tortoises have been on this planet for 200 million years, but habitat destruction, pet trade, and the exotic food market are affecting their numbers. What can you do to help these animals, today and every day?

• Don’t buy a turtle or tortoise from a pet shop – it increases demand from the wild.
• Do report cruelty or illegal sales of turtles and tortoises to your local animal control shelter. Remember, the sale of any turtle or tortoise less than four inches is illegal in the U.S.
• Don’t remove turtles or tortoises from the wild unless they are sick or injured.
• Do help a tortoise across the (busy) road. Pick him up and put him somewhere safe, in the same direction he was going (he’ll turn around and go back if not).
• Do participate in local community or river cleanups, which improves a turtle’s habitat.
• Don’t buy real tortoiseshell products, such as barrettes, brushes, or jewelry.
• Do write your legislator about preventing off shore drilling, which can lead to more endangered sea turtle deaths.

The founding sponsor of World Turtle Day is American Tortoise Rescue, which has placed over 3,000 tortoises and turtles in good homes since its inception in 1990. Those who cannot be adopted out remain at ATR for the rest of their lives. Want to help this organization? Here’s how.

American Tortoise Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, so donations are tax deductible. Make a donation electronically or via mail: American Tortoise Rescue, 30765 Pacific Coast Highway, # 243, Malibu, CA 90265.

ATR occasionally needs volunteers over the age of twelve to help with turtle care. Sign up via email at [email protected].

ATR is always in need of the following:

• First class & postcard postage stamps
• Lexmark printer cartridges (#34 & #35)
• TB syringes
• Small blue hospital or hand towels
• Remptomin or Wardley turtle sticks
• Office supplies, such as copy paper & 9×13 envelopes
• Gift cards to Home Depot, Do It Center, Ralph’s, Staples, Pavilions, CVS
• Gasoline cards (for pick ups & deliveries)

Remember, the animals need us to speak for them, not just today, but every day. Spread the word!

Photo credit: Daria Zeoli