World Turtle Day is celebrated on May 23rd every year to raise awareness about the importance of turtle conservation and the preservation of their natural habitats. The day was founded by American Tortoise Rescue and was first celebrated in 2000. Various zoological institutions and conservation organizations, including the Tennessee Aquarium, have supported this initiative, and in 2020, it was declared "The Year of the Turtle."
Facts about Turtles
- India's first Turtle Rehabilitation Center is located in Bhagalpur, Bihar.
- The upper shell of a turtle is called the carapace, while the lower shell is known as the plastron.
- The India Biodiversity Portal launched the first edition of 'Turtle Spotting Week.'
- Newly born Olive Ridley Turtles can be found along the Gahirmatha coast.
- The largest number of nests of the rare Leatherback sea turtles were spotted in Thailand after almost 20 years.
- The theme for World Turtle Day in 2023 was "I Love Turtles," featuring a turtle named Mr. Mudd.
- For 2024, while the official theme has not been released yet, there are various activities and resources available for educators, parents, and turtle enthusiasts to engage in the celebration.
- The Oceanic Society published the 2024 State of the World’s Sea Turtles Report, highlighting success stories, innovations, and new findings in sea turtle conservation.
- The Oceanic Society's Sea Turtle Conservation Program is actively working to address the top threats to sea turtles, including fisheries bycatch, pollution, coastal development, direct take, and climate change.
A poem to honor these magnificent creatures
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Gentle travelers of the sea,
Ancient mariners, wild and free.
Carapace like a shield so strong,
In ocean currents, they belong.
Navigating by moon and stars,
Crossing oceans, near and far.
Mysteries of life they hold,
A tale of survival, ages old.
Let's pledge to protect their way,
On this World Turtle Day.
For each turtle safe and sound,
Is a treasure that we have found.
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I hope this information and the poem help to spread awareness and appreciation for turtles and their conservation. 🐢💚