World Turtle Day®2026 · Date · History · Messages
The official World Turtle Day site states that American Tortoise Rescue founded the observance in 2000 and that World Turtle Day is held annually on May 23; its 2026 release marks the 26th annual event.
About World Turtle Day®
World Turtle Day® is observed on May 23 to increase knowledge of and respect for turtles and tortoises and encourage action to protect them and their habitats.
American Tortoise Rescue® created the observance in 2000 and continues to lead the global campaign.
Why World Turtle Day® matters
Although the campaign name says “Turtle,” its official mission explicitly includes both turtles and tortoises. These groups have different habitats and care needs, so responsible guidance should not treat them as interchangeable pets or wildlife.
Useful participation focuses on habitat protection, reputable rescue and education rather than collecting, moving or handling wild animals without a legitimate conservation or safety reason.
History of World Turtle Day®
Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson founded American Tortoise Rescue in 1990.
American Tortoise Rescue created World Turtle Day® in 2000.
The official campaign is held annually on May 23 and remains a project of American Tortoise Rescue.
How the observance developed
This timeline uses documented milestones from reviewed sources. Missing stages are left out rather than guessed.
American Tortoise Rescue®
The official World Turtle Day site identifies American Tortoise Rescue as the founder of the movement.
American Tortoise Rescue®
American Tortoise Rescue created the campaign rather than a government or intergovernmental body.
First documented observance
The official site states that World Turtle Day® was founded in 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue®.
American Tortoise Rescue®
The current official site identifies World Turtle Day® as a global movement by American Tortoise Rescue®.
What the evidence establishes
Confirmed institutional roles and milestones are shown first. Details that could not be established from the reviewed sources are listed separately below.
5 fields not established in reviewed sources
How to Observe World Turtle Day®
Learn which turtle or tortoise species are native to your region and what threats they actually face.
Support a reputable rescue, rehabilitation or habitat organization rather than buying wildlife impulsively.
If you encounter an injured wild turtle, follow local wildlife-agency or licensed rehabilitator guidance instead of improvising treatment.
Make roads, yards and outdoor spaces safer for local wildlife where practical and lawful.
World Turtle Day® Facts
World Turtle Day® is observed on May 23.
American Tortoise Rescue created the observance in 2000.
The campaign explicitly includes turtles and tortoises.
World Turtle Day® is a registered trademark of American Tortoise Rescue®.
Wildlife rescue and handling should follow local law and qualified guidance.
World Turtle Day® Messages
World Turtle Day® is a reminder to protect turtles and tortoises without disturbing them unnecessarily.
Celebrate May 23 with habitat awareness, responsible rescue support and respect for wildlife.
May World Turtle Day® inspire careful, informed protection of turtles and tortoises all year.
Topic and context
What this page does not assume
- Keep the source-defined country, community, organizer or institutional scope; do not silently broaden it.
- Do not treat the title alone as proof of government recognition or public-holiday status.
- Do not add a creator, founding story or origin claim unless the supporting evidence establishes it.
Evidence & sources
Sources used across the guide are gathered here. Labels show how each source supports the page, and contextual references are kept separate from primary evidence.
World Turtle Day / American Tortoise Rescue — About (opens in a new tab)
Event Organizer
World Turtle Day® — Press (opens in a new tab)
Understand it, compare it, then explore further
Start with the most common factual questions, then compare closely related observances and explore useful connections.
Frequently asked questions
When is World Turtle Day®?
23 May annually; 23 May 2026 verified The documented recurrence rule is: 23 May.
Does World Turtle Day® fall on the same date every year?
Yes. It uses a fixed annual date unless stronger evidence changes the pattern.
Is World Turtle Day® an official public holiday?
The reviewed sources verify it within this scope: International / American Tortoise Rescue campaign. That recognition does not by itself make it a statutory public holiday; the site only makes public-holiday claims when reliable evidence explicitly does so.
Who established or recognizes World Turtle Day®?
The reviewed sources identify American Tortoise Rescue® as the proclaiming or establishing body. Current facilitation or coordination is recorded as American Tortoise Rescue®.
Is World Turtle Day® international or country-specific?
The documented scope is international or global: International / American Tortoise Rescue campaign. That does not mean every country treats the date as a public holiday or observes it in the same way.
How is this page verified?
The factual information is checked against reviewed sources, including the date pattern, scope and institutional history. This page was checked on 2026-09-07.
When is World Turtle Day®?
It is observed annually on May 23.
Who created World Turtle Day®?
American Tortoise Rescue® created the observance in 2000.
Does it include tortoises?
Yes. The official campaign explicitly focuses on both turtles and tortoises.
Why was May 23 chosen?
The official campaign establishes May 23 as the annual date but does not clearly state why that exact date was originally selected.
Other observances on May 23
These observances are also listed on May 23, 2027.
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula
A/RES/67/147