When you think of a turtle what comes to mind?
Majestic creatures slow and plodding, steady and methodical drifting through the seas or a crime fighting quartet obsessed with Ninjitsu, news reporters and pizza.
How ever you think of them turtles hold a special place in the hearts and minds of many, as well as, art, literature and poetry and today (May 23) you are able to celebrate it, as it is World Turtle Day.
World Turtle Day celebrates these noble reptiles and their place in the world, and encourages people to take action to help protect the endangered sea turtle, as well as, the common pet turtle.
For those who don’t know a turtle is a type of reptile that live in almost every ocean basin throughout the world, nesting on tropical and subtropical beaches.
They migrate long distances to feed, often crossing entire oceans.
History of Turtle Day
Well the first thing to know is that Turtles and Tortoises are not the same thing, though this day is dedicated to celebrating and protecting both.
First created in 1990 by the American Tortoise Rescue, which was founded by Susan Tellem and Mashall Thompson, World Turtle day recognises that some species of our hard (and soft) shelled friends are suffering and are almost on the edge of extinction due to environmental hazards and the hunting and harvesting of their eggs.
The day allows everyone, from all walks of life, to get involved and spread awareness of the shrinking habitat and declining numbers of these sensitive creatures.
Research ways to spread awareness or get involved in local efforts to promote the safety of these creatures.
How do you think we can prevent the damage to their natural habitats and also promote better care for turtles kept as pets?
You may also be interested in:
Watch: Happy Mother’s Day to all
Start appreciating trees today
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, Leigh Hodgson (journalist) leighh@caxton.co.za or Puleng Sekabate pulengs@caxton.co.za.
Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:
Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
