Enter American Tortoise Rescue, a turtle and tortoise rescue group in California. To draw attention to the problems turtles face, in 2000 the group declared May 23 World Turtle Day. The state of Hawaii soon followed suit, naming the same date as Sea Turtle Day.

Now You Sea Me, Now You Don't  
Sea turtles are among the most endangered animals on the planet. Harmful fishing techniques, pollution, and hunting of the turtles and their eggs have all caused sea turtle populations to drop. What's more, coastal development is taking away more and more of the beaches where sea turtles lay their eggs.

Sea turtles aren't the only turtles in trouble. Land turtles and tortoises are also in danger of disappearing for good. Millions are taken from the wild each year. Many are shipped to Asia, where they're used in foods and medicines. Others are sold as pets. In fact, turtles are the U.S.'s most popular pet reptile, even though they carry disease and can be tough to care for properly.

Turning the Tide
Turtles may soon face extinction—if nothing is done. Here are some ways you can help turn the tide for turtles.

● Organize a World Turtle Day celebration on May 23. Let others know about the threats to turtles and what they can do to help.

● Don't buy turtles as pets or take them from the wild. Turtles don't make good pets. They carry a germ called Salmonella that can make people—especially kids—very sick. They're also hard to care for properly and can live for decades. Already have a pet turtle? Read up on how to best take care of him, and always wash your hands after handling him. Click here for a short video!

● Enjoy turtles and tortoises in nature. Instead of getting turtles as pets, watch them in their natural habitats. Be sure to follow the four L's of wildlife watching: Look. Listen. Learn about them. Leave them alone. Join Mission: Humane and do the Shoot to Save Wildlife project by taking photos of turtles!

● Protect turtle and tortoise habitats. If turtles or tortoises live in your yard, why not keep them happy by building a pond and by landscaping with plants that provide protection and food? Plants such as tropical hibiscus, dandelion, geraniums, and Chinese lantern can be quite tasty to turtles. (Just make sure that your plants are free of pesticides and herbicides.) Piles of leaves, vines, and downed trees make perfect hiding places.

● Don't buy trinkets or souvenirs made from turtle parts. Have you ever seen knick-knacks or novelties made from animal parts? Usually, wild animals were killed on purpose to make them. Instead, spend your money in ways that don't harm animals.

● Never pollute or litter. Trash and litter make their way into bodies of water and wild areas, where they can harm turtles. Plastic bags can kill pond turtles and sea turtles who eat them or get tangled in them. Recycle to reduce the amount of trash you create, and always dispose of garbage properly.

● Turn out the lights. Don't shine lights on the beach at night. Baby sea turtles depend on natural light to find their way from the beach to the ocean. Artificial lights can confuse them.

Click here to learn about kids who are helping gopher tortoises!