May 23 — World Turtle Day: history and traditions of the holiday

Every year on May 23, many countries celebrate World Turtle Day, an ecological holiday designed to draw attention to the problem of preserving this ancient reptile species. In 2025, the date falls on a Friday. Izvestia tells about how the holiday appeared and what traditions are associated with it.

World Turtle Day — what kind of holiday is it

The holiday originated in 2000 in the American city of Malibu, located on the Pacific coast, California, to preserve the turtle population living in its vicinity. The initiators of the annual celebration were members of the American Turtle Rescue Society.

The activities of the organization, established in 1990, are aimed at protecting reptiles from abuse, preserving their natural habitats and suppressing the illegal trade in marine life.

Initially, the holiday was celebrated as National Turtle Day. Over time, the idea was supported in other countries. This is how the celebration gained international status. Today it is celebrated all over the world, including Russia and the CIS countries.

How to celebrate World Turtle Day – 2025

Traditionally, all kinds of events and actions aimed at protecting reptiles are held on World Turtle Day. Much attention is paid to such issues as the destruction of the natural habitat of turtles as a result of human activity and climate change.

Zoos, state and public associations, animal rights activists and environmentalists are joining the celebration. Exhibitions and free lectures are organized in museums and other cultural venues, where you can learn about common and rare species of turtles, as well as record-breaking turtles.

Workshops are held for children, during which they can make a turtle with their own hands. Thematic classes are also organized in kindergartens and schools.

Interesting facts about the May 23 holiday

Turtles are one of the most ancient animal species on our planet. They appeared more than 220 million years ago. There are 365 species of turtles in total. Terrestrial species are common on all continents except Antarctica. Marine animals live mainly in tropical and subtropical zones.

Turtles have always played a special role in the culture of many peoples of the world. The most famous symbol is the turtle, which holds the world together. Such images are most often found in Indian mythology and American Indian myths.

Turtles are treated with great respect in China, where they represent wisdom, wealth and longevity. For more than one and a half thousand years, stone turtles have been carrying the steles of Chinese emperors. They also decorate fountains in Italy and Spain.

In a number of countries, it is still believed that keeping a turtle at home is a sign of well—being and success. However, only some species of turtles are intended for domestic maintenance: the red-eared, Caspian marsh and a number of others. It is forbidden to keep rare and endangered species of reptiles at home.

In many countries of the world, criminal liability is provided for the illegal capture and export of turtles from the country. In particular, this applies to the Mediterranean and Far Eastern turtles, which have the status of vulnerable species. The latter are listed in the Red Book of Russia.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on World Wildlife Day, which was celebrated in early spring.