The World Turtle Day began in the year 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue to bring attention to, and increase knowledge of and respect for, turtles
and tortoises
, and encourage human action to help them survive and thrive
Turtle Day encourages you to discover the world of
turtles and tortoises, and to learn how you can help to protect and help
them to thrive. Some ideas include dressing up as turtles, saving
turtles on roads, or getting involved in turtle research.
With five out of seven marine turtles listed as endangered and
43% of the world's freshwater turtles listed as threatened it is important pitch in this World Turtle Day. Here are five tips
from American Tortoise Rescue (ATR differentiates between turtles and
tortoises, but for simplicity they're all called turtles here.) Check
out the group's
website for more ways to get involved.
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Never buy a turtle from a pet shop, as it increases demand from the wild.
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Never remove turtles from the wild unless they are sick or injured.
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If a turtle is crossing a busy street, pick it up and send it in the
same direction it was going — if you try to make it go back, it will
turn right around again.
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Report cruelty or illegal sales of turtles to your local animal control shelter.
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Report the sale of any turtle of any kind less than four inches. This is illegal everywhere in the U.S.
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