World Turtle Day Coming Up
by Lorri Cramer
Posted on May 20, 2002
World Turtle Day, which is intended "to help people celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises," will be observed for the first time on May 23rd.
American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), which is based in Malibu, CA, spearheaded the establishment of World Turtle Day in order to bring attention to the need to protect turtles and tortoises throughout the world as well as their habitats.
"These creatures have walked the planet for about 200 million years," said ATR co-founder Susan Tellem. "But in the past 50 years, development, habitat destruction, the cruel
pet trade and the exotic food industry have killed millions of these endangered animals."
There are more than 250 turtle species in the world at present. Approximately 100 of them are threatened or endangered.
"Our ultimate goal is to stop the illegal trade in turtles and tortoises around the world," said ATR co-founder Marshall Thompson. "But our first job is here at home where
pet stores and dealers are selling illegal hatchlings."
A federal law enacted in 1974 prohibits the sale of any turtle or tortoise less than four inches in length regardless of species.
"People who are unfamiliar with their care and run the real risk of salmonella infection buy these babies," said Thompson. "The illegal vendors must be stopped."
Sources
American Tortoise Rescue
http://www.tortoise.com/media_inform...atr_in_the.htm
American Tortoise Rescue Celebrates World Turtle Day May 23rd
New York Turtle and Tortoise Society
www.nytts.org/asianturtlecrisis.html
Asian Turtle Crisis
The Tennessee Aquarium
www.tennis.org/Amazing/conservation.html
Conservation: Turtle Conservation
© 2002 Animal News Center, Inc. - Reprinted with permission.
