World Turtle Day: The plight of the turtle and tortoise
Today we shine the light on the plight of the turtle. May 23 is World Turtle Day, an annual event observed about the globe in honor of one of the world’s oldest creatures – turtles.
Launched in 2000 by the non-profit American Tortoise Rescue organization, a group that helps protect all species of turtles and tortoises, World Turtle Day helps celebrate these amazing creatures while also raising awareness of the plight turtles face around the globe. Like many other animals, the turtle populations around the world continue to rapidly decline due to habitat destruction, the exotic food industry and the cruel pet trade industry. Pollution and overfishing also plays part. Like dolphins, thousands of turtles drown in fishing lines and nets each year.
Many sea turtles perished in the BP Oil Spill in 2010. It is estimated that 50 percent of all species are considered threatened. Some experts predict these magnificent creatures, who have roamed the earth for nearly 200 million years, will completely disappear at some point within the next 50 years. But there are some things we can do to prevent such a tragic and senseless loss.
May 23 is also National Lucky Penny Day.
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