Turtles have been moving through Earth’s waters and landscapes for more than 200 million years, quietly outlasting dinosaurs, ice ages, and continents in motion. Each May, World Turtle Day (May 23) invites us to pause and consider what these remarkable animals can teach us about conservation, resilience, and how to live well in a fast-paced world.
Today, turtles need our attention more than ever. Of the world’s roughly 360 turtle and tortoise species, more than half are threatened or endangered. Habitat loss, plastic pollution, climate change, and road traffic all take a toll. Sea turtles often mistake floating plastic for food, while freshwater turtles lose nesting areas to development. Even small actions matter: Slowing down in known crossing areas, reducing plastic use, and supporting conservation organizations can help ensure turtles remain part of our shared future.