Moreholidays May World Turtle Day

                           

World Turtle Day

World Turtle Day

About World Turtle Day

When is World Turtle Day? This holiday is always celebrated on May 23

World Turtle Day is an international holiday that was created for two reasons. First, this May 23 holiday is to celebrate and enjoy both turtles and tortoises. Secondly, this day is to educate people about turtles, how to protect them, and how to save their disappearing natural habitat. There is a difference between a turtle versus a tortoise. We will distinguish this difference for you. Read on.

Turtles and tortoises have a long life span. Many species live 35 to 50 years. Some species have been known to live 150-200 years. Some species are carnivores, while others are herbivores. Their populations are decreasing rapidly. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, 129 of 300 species of turtles and tortoises are on the endangered species list.   

Turtle Trivia: You can tell the gender of a turtle by the noise it makes. Male turtles grunt while females hiss.

Did You Know? There actually are Turtle Festivals! We hope you plan on attending them.

Famous Turtles

The most famous turtles are:

  • The four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo, and Donatello
  • Squirt and Crush from Finding Nemo

What's the difference between and turtle and a tortoise?

Both turtles and tortoises are reptiles, dating back over 200 million years. There are many similarities. But, there is one major difference. A tortoise lives on land. A turtle lives in the water most of the time. Now that you know the difference, I’m sure you realize that the “Turtle” you bought at the pet store and the one you saw in the park or even your backyard, was actually a Tortoise.

Now that you know the difference, no one will complain, if you refer to them as “turtles”, regardless of species.

Turtle Quote: “Behold the turtle. He only makes progress when he sticks his neck out.” – – James B. Conant

Turtle Trivia

Here is some turtle trivia to amaze your friends with your knowledge.: 

  • They are among the longest-lived animals on the planet. Some species can live up to 150 years.
  • The Leatherback Sea Turtle is the largest species. It can grow up to 8 feet and weigh in at over 2,000 pounds.
  • They are cold-blooded.
  • Many turtles can retract their neck and head inside their shell for protection.
  • They cannot get out of their shell it is part of their exoskeleton, their spine.
  • There are four Ninja turtles: Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael. 
Female Tortoise

How to Celebrate and Participate in World Turtle Day

Here are some ways you can celebrate World Turtle Day:

  • First and foremost, do not buy pet turtles. It only increases demand and can cause a further decrease in their populations.
  • Go to a zoo or nature center that has turtles.
  • Dress up like a turtle. Yes, some people actually will today!
  • Visit an aquarium to see them.
  • Watch a television show or movie with turtles in it. May we suggest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Finding Nemo?
  • Learn more about turtles and tortoises, and how you can help to protect them and their habitat.

Today's Chuckle

“A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a man.” – – Lana Turner

This Day in History

Here are a couple of things that happened on this day:

  • In 1785, Benjamin Franklin invented bifocals.
  • On this day in 1934, legendary bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde Barrow are shot to death in a police ambush in Louisiana.

See more historical events.

History and Origin of World Turtle Day

World Turtle Day was created in 2000. It was founded by Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson. This annual holiday event is sponsored by the American Tortoise Rescue organization.



More May 23 Holidays

Here are more May 23 holidays you will enjoy:

Lucky Penny Day

National Taffy Day

More About Today

This Day in History

Famous May Birthdays

Flower of the Day: Iris

Recipe of the Day:  Caesar Salad

Ecards Send a free Ecard daily for just about any May calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Or, just for the fun of it!

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Did You Know? There are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. May holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.

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