World Turtle Day is observed on May 23 every year by American Tortoise Rescue, a nonprofit organization. The day is celebrated to raise awareness among people to protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world. 

• This year’s theme for World Turtle Day is “Shellebrate”. The theme asks “everyone to Love and Save Turtles”.
• American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) established in 1990 started marking World Turtle Day in 2001.