American Tortoise
Rescue
May 2014
Experts predict the complete disappearance of one of the world’s oldest creatures within the next 50 years. They recommend that adults and children do a few small things that can help to save turtles and tortoises for the next generation.
American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle, is sponsoring its 13th annual World Turtle Day on May 23rd.
The day was created as an annual observance to help people celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world. Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, founders of ATR, advocate humane treatment of all animals, including reptiles.
Since 1990, ATR has placed
about 3,000 tortoises and turtles in caring homes. ATR assists law
enforcement when undersize or endangered turtles are confiscated and
provides helpful information and referrals to persons with sick, neglected
or abandoned turtles.
“World Turtle Day was started 13 years ago to increase respect and knowledge
for the world’s oldest creatures. These gentle animals have been around for
about 200 million years, yet they are rapidly disappearing as a result of
the exotic food industry, habitat destruction, global warming and the cruel
pet trade,” says Tellem. “We are seeing smaller turtles coming into the
rescue meaning that older adults are disappearing from the wild thanks to
the pet trade, and the breeding stock is drastically reduced. It is a very
sad time for turtles and tortoises of the world.” (See
slideshow here.)
Myrtle...eating her "pineapple surprise"
Tellem says, “We have heard from organizations throughout the world that are also hosting World Turtle Day, including India, Australia and many other countries.”
Bunkle and his girlfriend take in the sun...
Tellem and Thompson note that experts predict the complete disappearance of one of the world’s oldest creatures within the next 50 years. They recommend that adults and children do a few small things that can help to save turtles and tortoises for the next generation:
“Our ultimate goal is to stop the illegal trade in turtles and tortoises
around the world. Our first priority here in the U.S. is to stop pet stores
and reptile shows from selling illegal hatchling tortoises and turtles,”
says Thompson. “We also need to educate people who are unfamiliar with their
proper care about the real risk of contracting salmonella from turtles.
Schools and county fairs are no place for turtles. Wash your hands
thoroughly every time you touch a turtle or its water, and do not bring
turtles into homes where children are under the age of 12.”
For answers to questions and other information visit American Tortoise
Rescue online at www.tortoise.com or send e-mail to [email protected]; on
Twitter @tortoiserescue; “Like” American Tortoise Rescue at
www.Facebook.com/AmericanTortoiseRescue; and join World Turtle Day on
www.Facebook.com/WorldTurtleDay.
Suggested Tweet:
#DidYouKnow World Turtle Day is May 23rd? @TortoiseRescue
#turtle #tortoise
Media Contact:
Susan Tellem
[email protected]
310-613-3504
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