The future of turtles and tortoises that have graced our planet for millions of years is more at risk today than ever before. Already, 61 percent of turtles and tortoise species are extinct or in danger of extinction. As founder of American Tortoise Rescue and World Turtle Day®, I've been devoted to protecting and advocating for these magnificent creatures for decades. We, along with our fellow sanctuaries, are sounding an alarm internationally, and we need your help.
Picture this: the landscapes we know today, the ecosystems where turtles and tortoises thrive, are facing unprecedented challenges. Climate change is altering turtle habitats at an alarming pace. Rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns disrupt nesting and feeding grounds affecting their survival and breeding cycles.
Destructive practices and habitat loss due to urbanization, pollution, and deforestation are pushing our shelled friends to the brink, threatening their existence.
The cruel pet trade, fueled by ignorance and greed, is driving species to the brink of extinction. After surviving an asteroid that few other species did millions of years ago, we must fight for those without a voice. Let’s use our passion and compassion to protect turtles and tortoises before it is too late.
Here's how you can make a difference and ensure turtles and tortoises don't become extinct as experts predict by 2050:
- Educate: Help us spread awareness about the challenges that turtles and tortoises face. Reach out to schools, communities, and online platforms to share the stories we will provide over the next few months on our website and social media.
- Advocate: Support legislation that protects turtles and tortoises from habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade. You can google these terms to find organizations in your state. As an example, California imports thousands of turtles taken from the wild, perhaps even in your state, for the pet trade and live food markets.
- Rescue and Rehabilitate: Organizations like American Tortoise Rescue have 30 years dedicated to rescuing and rehoming turtles and tortoises in need. Support our efforts and those of the many turtle rescues throughout the world that provide adoption. Adopt don’t buy turtles.
- Conserve Habitats: Participate in conservation projects aimed at protecting the habitats these creatures call home. Whether it's coastal cleanups or protesting development on land where turtles have lived for years.
Remember, it's not just about saving turtles and tortoises. It's about preserving the intricate web of life on our planet, acknowledging that every species has a role to play. Our choices today will shape the world these creatures inherit tomorrow.
Join with me before it is too late. I need your help.
Susan Tellem
Founder, American Tortoise Rescue
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