♦ World Turtle Day is observed globally every year on May 23 to raise awareness about the protection of turtles and tortoises.

♦ The day serves as a call to action to protect these ancient species and their ecosystems.

♦ There are a total of 300 species of turtles in the entire world, out of which 129 species are endangered.

♦ 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.

♦ 2025 theme: Dancing Turtles Rock!