World Turtle Day

Today is World Turtle Day! This day is celebrated annually on the 23^rd of May. This began in 2000 and is sponsored by American Tortoise Rescue. According to ATR, “World Turtle Day was created and launched to increase respect for and knowledge about one of the worlds oldest creatures”.
Across the globe millions celebrate this day by holding educational events or fundraisers!

On this day it is important to recognise that turtles are in decline, this is due to a number of reasons.

• Climate change
• Live exotic food markets
• Habitat destruction

What can you do to help the turtles?

• Never buy from a pet shop as this increases the demand, therefore more turtles are taken from the wild.
• Report illegal sellers and purchases of turtles.
• Set up a Go Fund Me page and donate to local sanctuaries or rescue organisations.

Five Funs Facts about Turtles!
1. Turtles can live until they’re 150!
2. Turtles can make chicken – like clucks or bark like a dog.
3. Turtles lose their baby tooth within an hour.
4. Turtles are omnivores and eat berries and vegetables.
5. Turtles are ectothermic, which means they can’t control their own body temperature.

If you are interested in learning more about turtles and other interesting creatures, we stock a wide variety of animal titles here at Unique Magazines! Our most popular are:

Animal Planet – Learn about natural wonders and strange and interesting animals, just like on the Animal Planet TV channel.

The Week Junior Science & Nature – Find all the latest news stories, discoveries, inventions and innovations, the heroes of science, experiments to try in class or at home, the mysteries of sciences, animals, and nature.

BBC Wildlife – BBC Wildlife magazine brings the beauty of nature to you. From wildlife to be found in your back garden, to the British countryside to the African plains.