World Turtle Day Date in the current year: May 23, 2024

American Tortoise Rescue is a nonprofit organization, that provides protection for all species of turtle and tortoises. This organization was founded in 1990. In 2000 the organization founded World Turtle Day and today it's the main sponsor of the observance.

World Turtle Day is observed to bring public attention to the problems of turtles and tortoises, the most amazing and the oldest surviving creatures in the world. They are endangered since their habitats disappear. American Tortoise Rescue saved thousands of turtles and tortoises, 3,000 found new homes. The turtles that can not be adopted due to illness remain in care of the organization for the reminder of their lives.

Everyone can make something to help turtles survive. If you're looking for a pet, buy a captive bred turtle. Never take a wild turtle as a pet. Never release a pet turtle into wild, since the animal won't survive. Never remove turtles from the wild, unless they don't need medical help. If you see a tortoise crossing a busy street, pick it up and take it in the same direction it was going. If you take tortoise back, it will turn around and go to the street again.