World Turtle Day

World Turtle Day History

World Turtle Day is an annual observance that aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting various species of turtles and tortoises around the globe. The key objectives of this day include encouraging conservation efforts, educating people on the threats faced by turtles, and promoting the adoption of threatened turtles rather than purchasing them from pet shops. This day highlights the crucial role these creatures play in maintaining balanced ecosystems and emphasizes their cultural and historical significance across different societies.

The American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting all species of tortoise and turtle, was founded World Turtle Day in 2000. Several native species of turtles in Canada, including the Western Painted Turtle, the Spotted Turtle, and the Blanding's Turtle, are classified as at risk by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). Canadians can contribute to the conservation of these essential species and ensure their populations remain robust for future generations through these events.

Typical activities held on World Turtle Day in Canada include educational programs at local zoos, aquariums, and wildlife centers. Additionally, Canadians can partake in community clean-up efforts, helping to remove debris and plastics from local waterways that can pose hazards to turtles and other aquatic life. World Turtle Day is observed on May 23rd each year, providing a unique opportunity for Canadians to learn about and take part in the global efforts to protect these fascinating creatures.

World Turtle Day facts

• Female turtles often return to the same beaches where they were born to lay their eggs.
• All tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises. Tortoises are exclusively land animals.
• The leatherback turtle holds the record for the longest migration among reptile. These turtles travel from nesting sites in the Pacific to feeding areas in the Atlantic.
• There are eight native species of turtle in Canada: the Painted Turtle, Blanding's turtle, Snapping Turtle, Wood Turtle, Spotted Turtle, Eastern box turtle, Map Turtle, and the Spiny Softshell Turtle.
• Turtles have cultural significance in many Indigenous communities throughout Canada. Turtles are seen as a symbol of wisdom, long life, and protection.

In the News and Trending in Canada for World Turtle Day

Top things to do in Canada for World Turtle Day

• Volunteer to help save turtles. Here's a list of different programs you can take part in.
• Watch this short animated video detailing the challenges infant sea turtles go through.
• Watch a movie about turtles in Canada. Here are some suggestions:
  1. The Great Turtle: A Journey Through the Lives of Canada's Turtles (2018) - This documentary by Toronto-area filmmaker Paul Zizka showcases the lives of Canada's turtles, their life cycle, and the challenges they face due to human activities.
  2. The Turtle Pastor: A Journey to Save Canada's Turtles (2017) - The documentary follows Father Steve, a priest who has dedicated his life to protecting and conserving Ontario's turtles and their habitats.
  3. Turtles and Roads: The Quest for the Painted Turtle (2015) - This short documentary explores the efforts being made to save the Painted Turtle population in British Columbia, including rehabilitation, research, and community awareness programs.
• Visit a local turtle conservation area to learn about turtle conservation and rehabilitation efforts. Some suggestions include the Atlantic Wildlife Institute in New Brunswick, the Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge with a dedicated Turtle Pond in Ontario, or the Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre in Peterborough.