World Turtle Day is celebrated in many countries around the world on May 23rd of each year. These creatures, which live on land and in water (sea and freshwater), are considered a symbol of wisdom and longevity. The celebration of this unusual holiday was initiated in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue Society. This society was founded in 1990 in Malibu, California, to protect turtles near settlements.
Turtle Day was created to draw attention to the protection of these creatures living close to humans and to treat them with care. During the breeding season, sea turtles come ashore and lay eggs on sandy ground. Wild animals can damage these eggs. Also, people can step on their “nests” due to carelessness or drive over them. This reduces their number. Therefore, in many places, volunteers protect turtle eggs during the turtle breeding season.
