Born on May 23

World Turtle Day

Slow down for the shell-bearers.

Next: May 23, 2027

Where it comes from

In 1990 Susan Tellem and her husband Marshall Thompson founded American Tortoise Rescue in Malibu, California, a sanctuary that takes in turtles and tortoises, nurses them and finds them homes.

How it's celebrated

Schools, zoos, aquariums and rescue groups hold events, and supporters host 'shellebrations' and post 'shellfies'. The organisers suggest simple ways to join in: share a turtle fact with a friend, support a local rescue or conservation group, and learn what the turtles near you need from their rivers, ponds and…

Did you know

Turtles have been on Earth for some 220 million years, long enough to outlast the dinosaurs.

Read the full story of World Turtle Day

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Gemini · May 21 – June 20 · Air sign

Curious and chatty, always with two ideas on the go.

What's your World Day?

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