'Shell' we dance? Celebrate World Turtle Day May 23!

Grab your party hat and dance shoes. It’s almost time to party for World Turtle Day® 2025!

American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the protection of all species of turtles and tortoises, is "shellebrating" its 25th annual international World Turtle Day on May 23.

Join the fun as this year’s theme is “Dancing Turtles Rock!” with the

Dance with the turtles May 23!

rescue favorites Bunkle, Spinner, Tank, Evil and Popcorn. They just woke up from a long hibernation and can’t wait to rock the globe with all their turtle friends.

“These gentle animals have been around for 260 million years, yet they are rapidly disappearing as a result of smuggling, the exotic food industry, habitat destruction, global warming and the cruel pet trade. It is a very sad time for turtles and tortoises of the world,” says American Tortoise Rescue and World Turtle Day Founder Susan Tellem.

Last year, more than two million people were taking “shellfies” and holding “shellebrations” in the U.S., Canada, Pakistan, Borneo, India, Australia, the UK, Greece and many other countries. In fact, 2024 was the biggest year yet, reaching a total online and print audience of 2,564,911,611 worldwide.

For more information, visit www.worldturtleday.org or email info@tortoise.com.

Steve Sweitzer is a reporter and videographer for Great Day TV and Pet Pals TV.

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