World Turtle Day

 Happy World Turtle Day!

World Turtle Day is a day to celebrate, well, the turtle! This day is also intended to celebrate its more land-based counterpart, the tortoise. People often use the names interchangeably, but they do have differences. Turtles tend to have flatter shells and live near and in water, whereas tortoises have domed shells and live only on land.

This day was first observed in 2000. It would be sponsored by the animal rescue organization known as American Tortoise Rescue. The organization is dedicated to rehabilitating, rescuing, and protection of turtle and tortoise species. 

Turtles are rather unique because of one thing: their shells. Some species (like the Indian flapshell turtle) have "soft" shells, while others (like the Galapagos tortoise) have "hard" shells. The difference is that "soft shell" turtle shells are leathery in feel and are more flexible and light, allowing these turtles to move faster than their "hard shell" relatives.

A turtle's shell is comprised of two parts: the carapace on the back, and the plastron on the bottom. The two halves of the shell are linked at the sides of the turtle. The shell is composed of the rib bones and the spine of the turtle fused with its dermal bone. Basically, unlike in Super Mario World, the shell is literally part of the turtle's body. You can't pull a turtle out of it. The shell's main function is to help protect a turtle's vital organs. The turtles' shells are covered in scutes, which all have unique names. These scutes are made of keratin, similar to human finger and toenails.  Aquatic turtles shed their scutes, terrestrial ones do not.

The word "turtle" comes from French. In the UK, the word "turtle" tends to be used for aquatic turtles while the ones on land are called "tortoises". The biggest known living turtle is the aquatic leatherback turtle. These big turtles can reach up to 2.7 m (8'10") in length, and can weigh up to 500 kg (1,100 lbs).

Like other reptiles, turtles are cold-blooded. They have limited ability to regulate their own body temperatures. Due to their size, larger turtle species can use thermal inertia to help regulate their temperatures. Turtle diets can very between species, but they generally are opportunistic omnivores. Terrestrial turtles are more herbivorous, while aquatic ones are more carnivorous. 

Turtles lay their eggs on land, including the aquatic ones. The mothers of most turtle species build nests to lay their eggs, but some do lay them in crevices or vegetation. Where the eggs are laid are dependent on various factors, but mainly temperature and humidity.

Popular culture likes portraying turtles as quiet and slow-speaking, but they can make a variety of sounds. The oblong turtle in particular, care particularly known for this. Turtles have been known to engage in play behavior, and some species are capable of remembering things for months after they are taught. 

Turtles can live rather long lives. For example, Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise. In 2026, he is estimated to be celebrating his 193rd birthday. 

Turtles can be found all over the world. As such, many ancient cultures have myths about them. For example, Hindu myth has the World Turtle. Similarly, some Native American tribes have the concept of Turtle Island. The ancient Mesopotamian god Enki had a turtle as a symbol. In Greek myth, it's believed that turtles got their shells because they refused to attend Zeus and Hera's wedding. Zeus got mad and said, "THEN YOU CAN TAKE YOUR HOMES WITH YOU FROM NOW ON, YA JERKS!" In Chinese myth, Bi Xi is depicted as a dragon with a turtle's shell. The tortoise is also one of the four sacred animals of Confucianism. Sea turtles are often depicted in Australian Aboriginal art. And of course, there's more modern turtle heroes, like Gamera, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and well, considering this blog, there are turtle-themed Pokémon like the Squirtle line. 

So, yeah. Turtles are really cool. You can learn more about this day right here. Thanks for reading this blog entry! If you liked it, show it off! If you enjoy what I write, and want to give this blog some additional support, please make a donation to my Ko-fi! See you next time!