I am a big fan of turtles. I've never had one as a pet. (I don't count the one I found when I was kid. I called it "Brown Eyes" and we released it at the lake near our house.) My aunt and uncle had giant tortoises (I think that's what they were) in their yard in northern California that I loved seeing and hanging out with whenever we visited there. I have collected large numbers of turtles in all forms (little boxes, figurines, PJs with turtles, you name it!)
When I read that May 23rd is World Turtle Day, I had to share! According to Wikipedia:
The purpose of World Turtle Day, May 23, sponsored yearly since 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue, is to bring attention to, and increase knowledge of and respect for, turtles and tortoises, and encourage human action to help them survive and thrive.
I learned that there are quite a few turtle rescues around the US. If you need to rehome a turtle, or you're in the market to adopt a turtle, you can find out how here.
Go hug a turtle! :)
--Tammy
That horrible practice of selling the babies with painted shells seems to have passed.
Posted by: Jan | May 23, 2011 at 07:21 AM
What a fun day (for turtles!) I did have painted turtles for pets when I was in grade school back in the 60's. That was before they were banned due to salmonella. They were fun to watch and handle, but certainly didn't live very long with us clueless kids caring for them. Probably a good idea that they aren't recommended as pets any longer.
Posted by: Laurel | May 23, 2011 at 11:22 AM