On beaches kissed by the sun and in oceans as deep as secrets, a quiet marvel glides through the water with ancient grace—the turtle. Celebrated every year on May 23, World Turtle Day reminds us that sometimes, the most remarkable beings are the ones that move slowly but carry the wisdom of centuries.

With their dome-shaped homes on their backs and calm, contemplative eyes, turtles have walked this Earth for over 200 million years, outlasting dinosaurs and ice ages. Yet today, many species are racing against extinction—because of us.

“Shellebrate Around the World!” is the spirited theme for World Turtle Day 2025, calling on people across the globe to honor and protect one of nature’s most ancient and gentle creatures. This year’s theme encourages not just awareness, but celebration—of their resilience, beauty, and vital role in our ecosystems. Let’s “shellebrate” with purpose, love, and a promise to safeguard their future.

Why Turtles Matter

Turtles aren't just adorable slowpokes—they’re ecosystem engineers. Sea turtles help maintain healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs, while freshwater turtles keep our rivers and lakes clean by scavenging on dead plants and animals. Even land-dwelling tortoises play a role in seed dispersal, shaping the landscapes they roam.

But despite their resilience, these shelled survivors face a perfect storm of threats: plastic pollution, climate change, poaching, and habitat destruction. Of the seven species of sea turtles, six are threatened or endangered.

The Plastic Problem

Every year, millions of tons of plastic enter our oceans—and turtles often mistake floating bags for jellyfish, a favorite snack. The consequences? Devastating. Ingesting plastic can block their digestive tracts or cause starvation. And discarded fishing nets can entangle and drown them.

Small Steps, Big Impact

But here’s the good news: we can help. Across the globe, communities, conservationists, and even schoolchildren are rising to the challenge. Beach clean-ups, turtle hatcheries, and awareness campaigns are bringing the tide of hope.

Take, for example, the tiny fishing village of Velas in Maharashtra, India. Every year, the locals host a turtle festival, protecting olive ridley nests and releasing hatchlings into the sea—turning conservation into celebration.

You don’t need to be a marine biologist to make a difference. This World Turtle Day, consider:

• Saying no to single-use plastic
• Supporting turtle conservation programs
• Avoiding disturbing nesting sites
• Spreading awareness—even a social media post can ripple into action!

In many cultures, turtles symbolize wisdom, endurance, and healing. On World Turtle Day, let’s reflect on their ancient journey—and pledge to protect their future.

After all, in a fast-moving world obsessed with speed, maybe the turtle is here to teach us that patience, balance, and harmony with nature still win the race.