World Turtle Day 2026
animalsSunday, May 23, 2027
250 days from today · next occurrence
About World Turtle Day
World Turtle Day, celebrated every year on May 23, shines a spotlight on turtles and tortoises, ancient reptiles whose shells have protected them for more than 200 million years. Despite this remarkable armor, turtles are among the most threatened animal groups on Earth, harmed by habitat loss, plastic pollution, illegal trade, fishing nets, and roads that cut through nesting routes.
The day was created by American Tortoise Rescue, a nonprofit rescue organization, to help people celebrate and protect these shelled survivors. Organizers encourage education about both sea turtles and the land-dwelling tortoises often bought as pets without understanding their decades-long lifespans.
From leatherback giants that migrate across entire oceans to desert tortoises that can outlive their caretakers, turtles hold a special place in human cultures, folklore, and hearts. The observance asks people to slow down, literally and figuratively, and give these animals the attention and protection they deserve.
When is World Turtle Day?
| Year | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | May 23, 2026 | Saturday |
| 2027 | May 23, 2027 | Sunday |
| 2028 | May 23, 2028 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | May 23, 2029 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | May 23, 2030 | Thursday |
History of World Turtle Day
World Turtle Day was founded in 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue, an organization established in 1990 by husband-and-wife team Marshall Thompson and Susan Tellem in Malibu, California. The sanctuary has rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed thousands of turtles and tortoises, and it chose a date near the northern hemisphere's spring nesting season for the annual observance. What began as a small grassroots campaign has spread worldwide through schools, aquariums, zoos, and conservation groups. Participants dress as turtles, hold educational events, and fundraise for habitat protection. The day's costumed mascot, Mortimer the Turtle, has appeared in classrooms and at public rallies to teach children about shell-dwelling wildlife.
How to Celebrate World Turtle Day
- Never release a pet turtle into the wild; instead, contact a rescue organization for help rehoming it.
- Cut up plastic six-pack rings and skip single-use plastics that end up in oceans.
- Watch nesting sea turtles or hatchling releases only with licensed, ethical guides.
- Donate to a turtle rescue, rehabilitation center, or nesting-beach protection program.
- Teach kids the difference between turtles, tortoises, and terrapins with books or a nature documentary.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is World Turtle Day?
- World Turtle Day falls every year on May 23, chosen by American Tortoise Rescue to coincide with late-spring nesting season in the northern hemisphere.
- Is World Turtle Day a public holiday?
- No. It is an animal awareness observance, not a public holiday. Schools, offices, and businesses operate normally, though classrooms and aquariums often host turtle-themed activities.
- How do people celebrate World Turtle Day?
- People celebrate by learning about sea turtle conservation, donating to rescues, reducing plastic use, and sharing shell facts online. Schools stage turtle-themed lessons, and diving and beach groups join cleanups.
- What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise?
- Turtles generally live in or near water and have webbed feet or flippers, while tortoises are land-dwellers with sturdy, column-like legs; both belong to the order Testudines.