Loggerhead sea turtles love to migrate. In fact, they have been known to cross oceans in search of warmer waters. Sadly, this long-distance migration makes the loggerhead particularly susceptible to accidental capture by commercial fisheries. And the loggerhead turtle is not the only species that is under threat. Turtle numbers across the globe are declining as a result of habitat destruction, the exotic food industry and the international and often illegal pet trade. In an effort to curb the dwindling numbers, the American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) started World Turtle Day observed annually on May 23. 

World Turtle Day began in 2000 in an effort to create awareness regarding the plight of these prehistoric reptiles and to encourage the global population to join in efforts to protect turtles and tortoises and their rapidly disappearing habitats. Thirteen years later and nonprofit organisation, American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), are going strong. Since 1990, ATR has placed about 3,000 turtles and tortoises in caring homes. 

If biologists' predictions are correct, then the world's turtle populations could be wiped out in the next 50 years (a predication that is startling when you consider that these hardy reptiles were around when dinosaurs walked the earth). So why should we protect turtles? Besides the obvious, the list of reasons is a long one. To start with turtles offer a dispersal system for plants, they make a healthy contribution to the ocean ecosystem and they aid environmental diversity. 

Loggerhead turtles (like all turtle species) lay their eggs in holes dug in the ground where the eggs are incubated before the hatchlings emerge to face the world. Although loggerhead turtles are not sought after for their flesh, on many beaches around the world, loggerhead eggs are collected from nests to be eaten or sold. The prolonged time it takes for these animals to reach sexual maturity (35 years in the case of the loggerhead turtle!) means that the eggs are very precious cargo.

World Turtle Day strives to educate the global population on the dangers that face these unique survivors. American Tortoise Rescue highlights the risks of buying a turtle or tortoise as a pet and urges the public to report the illegal sale of these reptiles. 

World Turtle Day is celebrated in a variety of ways across the globe, from education projects and research activities to folks dressing up like turtles or simple wearing green in support of turtle conservation. So spread the word and show your love for these heroes-in-a-halfshell.