Sponsored by the American Tortoise Rescue, this annual observance was created to help people “shellelebrate” and protect turtles and tortoises
and their disappearing habitats around the world as well as to encourage human action to help them survive and thrive. World Turtle Day began in 2000. The nonprofit organization, American Tortoise Rescue, was established in 1990 for the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle.