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Malibu, CA – March 18, 2013 –  American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) (www.tortoise.com), a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle, is sponsoring its 13th annual World Turtle Day on May 23rd.  The day was created as an annual observance to help people celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world.  Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, founders of ATR, advocate humane treatment of all animals, including reptiles.  Since 1990, ATR has placed about 3,000 tortoises and turtles in caring homes.  ATR assists law enforcement when undersize or endangered turtles are confiscated and provides helpful information and referrals to persons with sick, neglected or abandoned turtles.

“World Turtle Day was started 13 years ago to increase respect and knowledge for the world’s oldest creatures.  These gentle animals have been around for about 200 million years, yet they are rapidly disappearing as a result of the exotic food industry, habitat destruction, global warming and the cruel pet trade,” says Tellem. “We are seeing smaller turtles coming into the rescue meaning that older adults are disappearing from the wild thanks to the pet trade, and the breeding stock is drastically reduced.  It is a very sad time for turtles and tortoises of the world.”  (See slide show here http://www.slideshare.net/tellem/where-have-all-the-turtles-gone.)

Tellem says, “We have heard from organizations throughout the world that are also hosting World Turtle Day, including India, Australia and many other countries.”

Tellem and Thompson note that experts predict the complete disappearance of one of the world’s oldest creatures within the next 50 years.  They recommend that adults and children do a few small things that can help to save turtles and tortoises for the next generation:

• Never buy a turtle or tortoise from a pet shop as it increases demand from the wild.
• Never remove turtles or tortoises from the wild unless they are sick or injured.
• If a tortoise is crossing a busy street, pick it up and send it in the same direction it was going – if you try to make it go back, it will turn right around again.
• Write letters to legislators asking them to keep sensitive habitat preserved or closed to off road vehicles, and to prevent off shore drilling that can lead to more endangered sea turtle deaths.
• Report cruelty or illegal sales of turtles and tortoises to your local animal control shelter.
• Report the sale of any turtle or tortoise of any kind less than four inches.  This is illegal throughout the U.S.

“Our ultimate goal is to stop the illegal trade in turtles and tortoises around the world.  Our first priority here in the U.S. is to stop pet stores and reptile shows from selling illegal hatchling tortoises and turtles,” says Thompson.  “We also need to educate people who are unfamiliar with their proper care about the real risk of contracting salmonella from turtles.  Schools and county fairs are no place for turtles. Wash your hands thoroughly every time you touch a turtle or its water, and do not bring turtles into homes where children are under the age of 12.”

For answers to questions and other information visit American Tortoise Rescue online atwww.tortoise.com or send e-mail to info@tortoise.com; on Twitter @tortoiserescue; “Like” American Tortoise Rescue at www.Facebook.com/AmericanTortoiseRescue; and join World Turtle Day on www.Facebook.com/WorldTurtleDay.

Suggested Tweet: #DidYouKnow World Turtle Day is May 23rd? @TortoiseRescue #turtle #tortoise

Animal experimentation kills untold millions of animals every year in the U.S. and across the world. Rats, mice, hamsters, rabbits, dogs, cats, monkeys, pigs, sheep, goats, fish, chickens, and many other animals die, often without even being counted. Their deaths pass without recognition except as statistics as part of experimental protocols.

We believe that it is time for their lives to be remembered and their deaths to be memorialized. Please join us along with activists worldwide for our fourth International Day of Mourning for Animals in Labs on Sunday May 26, 2013.

It is important for the animals, and for ourselves that we participate in this annual event. The animals MUST be remembered; we MUST give their deaths some meaning. And for those of us that are living, dealing with these millions of deaths on a daily basis — we NEED these events, too, for funerals are for the living. This event will remind all of us why we are working for the animals, and strengthen our resolve.

Please be a voice for these silent victims of animal experimentation! They deserve nothing less from us.

Remember, it is up to us to give meaning to the deaths of millions of animals. Please join us by organizing an event or attending one in your area!

Established in 2011 by the “Our Planet. Theirs Too.” Foundation in New York City, The National Animal Rights Day (NARD) has become an annual tradition in the US. On this day, we remember, and give a voice to, the billions of animals who die by human hands in this country every year. We mourn their loss, reiterate their rights to live happy and free, and celebrate their existence in our lives.

The Third National Animal Rights Day — New York City
Sunday June 9, 12 noon – 5 pm,
North Plaza of Union Square

12:00 noon: A ceremony to commemorate the billions of animals who lose their lives every year by the hand of humanity, and signing the Declaration of Animal Rights!
12:30-1:30: A free, open-to-all, yoga class which will focus on generating compassion for all beings — humans and animals alike!
1:30-5:00: Yummy free vegan food, vegan fashion show, live music, drum circles, street theatre, face painting, Capoeira, and other attraction!

Please ‘join’ the event on our Facebook page

The Third National Animal Rights Day — Los Angeles
Sunday June 9, 12 noon – 5 pm,
Santa Monica beach, by the Pier

12:00 noon: A ceremony to commemorate the billions of animals who lose their lives every year by the hand of humanity, and signing the 50-foot long Declaration of Animal Rights!
12:30-1:30: A free, open-to-all, meditation session which will focus on generating compassion for all beings – humans and animals alike!
1:30-5:00: Yummy free vegan food, vegan fashion show, live music, kite flying, and other attraction!

Please ‘join’ the event on our Facebook page