World Turtle Day 2025: Date, History and Why It Matters

World Turtle Day – 23 May

The annual celebration of 23 May brings individuals from across the globe to pay their respects and celebrate one of the world's oldest and most tranquil animals — the turtle. World Turtle Day serves as a reminder of our own duty to safeguard these slow but incredibly important inhabitants of our world.

When Is World Turtle Day Celebrated?
World Turtle Day is commemorated on 23 May every year. The date is set and does not change annually, as it is always a global platform for awareness of the plight of turtles, tortoises, and their endangered habitats.

History of World Turtle Day
World Turtle Day began being celebrated in 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a non-profit organisation that was formed in 1990. ATR is headquartered in California and was established by Marshall Thompson and Susan Tellem, who are both avid turtle and tortoise enthusiasts. They set out to save all types of turtles and tortoises from becoming extinct and inform the public about the plight they are facing.

Since its beginning, the day has gained worldwide momentum. Schools, conservation societies, and wildlife organisations now participate in activities and campaigns to disseminate information regarding turtle well-being and habitat conservation.

Why Is World Turtle Day Important?
World Turtle Day puts a light on the struggles of turtles and tortoises, several of which are threatened by climate change, plastic pollution, habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal pet trade. Turtles play an important role in keeping marine and terrestrial ecosystems healthy. Sea turtles, for instance, keep seagrass beds healthy, while land tortoises facilitate seed dispersal.

This day inspires individuals to respect these ancient reptiles, understand the threats they encounter, and make small but significant contributions to assist. Ranging from helping rescue shelters and adopting turtles responsibly to curbing plastic waste and conserving nesting sites, every contribution matters.

Organisations and individuals are asked to dress in green, hold educational events, or even post turtle facts and pictures on social media using the hashtag #WorldTurtleDay to create a buzz.

Conclusion: A Day to Slow Down and Care

On World Turtle Day, we are called to move more slowly, as we honour the turtles we're celebrating and consider how our activities affect the natural world. As we still inhabit the planet with those wonderful creatures, this day calls for a greater dedication to their preservation — not only for their own survival but for the well-being of our entire system.