May 23 is World Turtle Day – Let’s shellebrate!

This children’s article, May 23 is World Turtle Day – Let’s shellebrate!, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It helps children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and explore interesting facts about turtles. Written by Mark Pulley, a writer and EFL teacher of over eight years.

25th World Turtle Day

Today is the 25th anniversary of World Turtle Day, a special day to celebrate (or should that be shellebrate) these amazing animals.

What is World Turtle Day?

Back in 1990, Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, a married pair of animal lovers, started an organisation called American Tortoise Rescue. They wanted to help turtles and tortoises around the world who were suffering because of human actions, such as fishing and pollution.

After ten years, in 2000, they launched World Turtle Day to teach people about the problems turtles face. Since then, they’ve helped many people understand how wonderful and important these ancient creatures are, and why we need to protect them.

Things are getting worse

Even after 25 years of World Turtle Day, things are still getting worse for our slow-moving, shell-wearing friends. Global warming, too much fishing, and high levels of pollution are the biggest dangers.

“These gentle animals have been around for 260 million years, yet they are rapidly disappearing. It is a very sad time for turtles and tortoises of the world,” Susan Tellem said.

If you want to learn more about World Turtle Day, and how you can help, visit the American Tortoise Rescue website.

What’s the difference between turtles and tortoises?

Turtles and tortoises belong to the same animal family, but they are different species.

Turtles have bodies made for swimming and walking. Most turtles can swim much faster than they can walk. They are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and meat (like worms or insects).

Tortoises have bodies made for walking on land only. They are not big fans of creepy crawlies! Tortoises are herbivores, which means they only eat plants.

Article vocabulary list

• Celebrate – To do something special to enjoy or remember an important day or event
  
• Pollution – Dirty or harmful things in the air, water, or land caused by people
  
• Global warming – The Earth getting hotter because of pollution, which causes problems for animals and people
  
• Omnivore – An animal that eats both plants and meat
  
• Herbivore – An animal that eats only plants
  
• Creepy crawlies – A fun name for insects and bugs
  
• Species – A group of animals that are similar and can have babies together
  
• Ancient – Very, very old

Comprehension questions

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