Now available for Slack and Discord Add to Slack Add to Discord
Obscure Holiday Calendar icon
Obscure Holiday Calendar Daily fun, weird, and wonderful observances
Overview Also on this date Celebrate Fun facts FAQ Related
Annual observance

World Turtle Day

May 23 Pets / Animals Updated 2025-12-17

This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

Overview

World Turtle Day is observed annually on May 23rd, established in 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue. Its purpose is to raise awareness about turtles and tortoises and encourage human action to help them survive and thrive. The day promotes appreciation for these ancient reptiles and highlights the threats they face, such as habitat destruction, illegal pet trade, and climate change, while encouraging conservation efforts worldwide.

Observed each year on May 23, World Turtle Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: World Turtle Day, observed on May 23, serves to raise awareness about the critical challenges facing turtles and tortoises, including habitat loss and climate change. This day emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts to protect these ancient reptiles and ensures their survival for future generations.

Origin and story

Turtles and tortoises are some of the oldest living reptiles, with their lineage dating back over 200 million years.

A turtle's shell is an integral part of its skeleton, made up of over 50 bones including the ribs and spine, meaning they cannot leave their shell.

Quick facts

  • DateMay 23
  • TypePets / Animals
  • Great forPet parents, Shelters, Veterinarians

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

  • Donate supplies to a local shelter or foster program.
  • Schedule a short playdate or walk with a rescue in mind.
  • Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.
  • World Turtle Day lands on May 23 — host a quick nod with Pet parents, Shelters and snap a photo.
  • Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the pets / animals vibe and make it a mini tradition.

Fun facts

  • Turtles and tortoises are some of the oldest living reptiles, with their lineage dating back over 200 million years.
  • A turtle's shell is an integral part of its skeleton, made up of over 50 bones including the ribs and spine, meaning they cannot leave their shell.
  • Sea turtles undertake epic migrations, traveling thousands of miles between feeding grounds and nesting beaches.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.

Continue to

FAQ

When is World Turtle Day?
It is observed on May 23 each year.
What is World Turtle Day?
World Turtle Day is observed annually on May 23rd, established in 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue. Its purpose is to raise awareness about turtles and tortoises and encourage human action to help them survive and thrive. The day promotes appreciation for these ancient reptiles and highlights the threats they face, such as habitat destruction, illegal pet trade, and climate change, while encouraging conservation efforts worldwide.
How do people celebrate World Turtle Day?
Donate supplies to a local shelter or foster program.

Get the app

Thousands of obscure holidays, daily widgets, reminders, and fun facts—free on iOS and Android.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

Recently viewed holidays