World Turtle Day 2022
We learn about them in fables of being slow and lumber, firm and orderly, and sometimes obsessed with Ninjitsu, pizza, and reporters. Yes, you are right, we are talking about turtles and there is a special day dedicated to these fascinating creatures which is World Turtle Day 2022.
Table of Contents
Turtles are amazing animals and they can survive on both land and water perfectly. But before we know more about World Turtle Day 2022, let us know what are turtles?
What are Turtles?
Turtles belong to the Testudines order set apart by a shell evolve from their ribs. They belong to the class Reptilia and prefer to live in freshwater or sea. Their shell consists of the top(carapace) and bottom(plastron) parts. Carapace and plastron meet on either side of the body, thus creating a rigid skeletal box.
With thirteen families in the order, turtles have more than 360 living and recently extinct species. Just like other mammals, reptiles, and birds, turtles breathe air and lay eggs on land even when many species live around or in water.
Turtles now in recent years face threats and a rapid decrease in their population for many reasons. The goal of celebrating World Turtle Day 2022 is not only to rescue but to rehabilitate the different species of turtles and tortoises.
History of World Turtle Day 2022
Most people don’t know the difference between a tortoise and a turtle. The major difference between the two is that tortoises live only on land while turtles live on both water and land. The other difference is the lifespan of turtles which is approx.40 years whereas tortoises can live up to 300 years.
The next difference is the shell, tortoises have dome-like shells while turtles mostly have flat and streamlined shells. Now coming into their habitat, the tortoises reside in grasslands and dense jungles whereas turtles mostly live in the sea.
Even if they are different, World Turtle Day 2022 is devoted to protecting and celebrating both. Due to environmental hazards and human interference, World Turtle Day was first celebrated by American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) in 2002 on May 23rd. The goal was to spotlight the suffering and issues which these innocent animals face. Nature lovers, schools, and rescue centers all unite on this day to learn more about these creatures and promise their loyalty to help save them.
American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) was founded in 1990. It is the result of the joint efforts of the husband-and-wife team Susan Tellem and Marshal Thompson. ATR is a non-profit organization that saves and re-establish all species of turtles and tortoises. It also focuses on protecting the habitat of these animals. They try their best to find suitable homes for these animals and if not the animal remains in the care of ATR.
How can we be a part of World Turtle Day 2022?
Adopt a Turtle
Go to your nearest rescue shelter and adopt a turtle or a tortoise. They are the perfect pets for children as they are hassle-free and do need much attention.
Don’t Deprive them of their Natural Habitat
Try to keep the turtles in their natural habitat. Sometimes people bring turtles home if they find any but we suggest you leave them until or unless they are injured or sick. Removing them from their known surrounding may result in depression in turtles.
Donate
To celebrate World Turtle Day 2022, you can donate to the organizations that work for the welfare of turtles and tortoises. No amount is too big or too small and your help will go a long way!
Report about the illegal Sales of the Turtles
If you happen to witness the illegal selling of the turtles report it to the higher authorities. Sometimes rare species are sold as exotic pets and by reporting such activities you can do your bit and save them.
Volunteer to Help
You can be near these animals by becoming a volunteer in any rescue shelter. You can help by feeding them or attending to a sick turtle.
Say NO to the Pet Shop
The best possible way to celebrate and spread the message of World Turtle Day 2022 is by not buying one from the breeders or the pet shop but by standing opposing such activity. When you buy one from a pet shop it increases the demand from the wild which put them in more danger.
Importance of World Turtle Day 2022
It’s a Special Day for Animal Lovers
This day brings great opportunities for animal lovers and gives them a chance to play their part in the conservation of turtles and tortoises. It’s a day that gives animal lovers a chance to donate, volunteer, educate and raise awareness.
It’s our Social Responsibility
We are not the only one who lives on this planet. We share it with thousands of different species. So, World turtle day 2022 prompts us to respect the place that these amazing animals have in the ecosystem just like us. It reminds us to care for and be sensitive to our animal friends.
The Promise of a Better Future
There are so many species of animals that are either extinct or on the verge of extinction and if this goes on, our future generations will never be able to meet or see the endangered species. So, World Turtle Day 2022 promises a better future for turtles and tortoises. It gives us hope of building a future where humans and turtles can coexist.
Amazing Fun Facts you should learn this World Turtle Day 2022
Ancient
Since the time of dinosaurs, turtles are present, in all likelihood for 200 million years. The name of the oldest tortoise alive is Jonathan and he is 190 years old.
Oldest
Among the reptiles group in the world, turtles are the oldest.
Permanent Shell
That’s right! The ribs of the tortoise help in shell formation. Therefore, turtles cannot separate from their shells.
Moody? Nah!
Do you know that the diet and food that turtles eat depend on the environment they live in?
Second Shell
Yup, that’s right! the tortoise does not only have a single shell but they have a lower shell also which is called the plastron.
Silent
If you think turtles are silent then let us clear your doubt. No, turtles are not silent and they do make noises, not as loud as cats or dogs. So depending upon the species they can make chicken-like clucks or dog-like barking.
Baby Tooth
Baby turtles are called hatchlings and they are born with an egg tooth on their beak. This egg tooth helps them in breaking the shell when it is time to hatch.
Cold-Blooded
Turtles are cold-blooded animals and because of it, they have a very slow metabolism. So, for their long lifespan researchers often gives credit to their cold-blooded nature.
Conclusion
Turtles are marvelous creatures they don’t ask for anything but to be left alone in their homes without any interference. So, let’s take a pledge on this World Turtle Day 2022 to help our little friends and give them a secure and beautiful environment. Sos that they can be a part of a balanced and beautiful marine environment. Happy World Turtle Day!