Press Release: Celebrating World Turtle Day at the Wildlife Center of Virginia
WAYNESBORO, VA (May 24, 2025) — On May 23, wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists around the globe come together to celebrate World Turtle Day, an initiative launched in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue to raise awareness of the threats facing turtles and tortoises.
At the Wildlife Center of Virginia, this occasion not only honors these remarkable reptiles but also heralds the beginning of the "turtle season." As temperatures warm, the Center prepares to release many turtles that have recovered from injuries sustained over the previous year, while simultaneously admitting new turtles emerging from hibernation.
In the last 14 years, the Center’s dedicated veterinary team, students, and volunteers have cared for over 3,000 individual turtles, including critically endangered species like the Bog Turtle and the state-threatened Wood Turtle. This extensive experience has equipped the Center with valuable insights into the primary risks turtles face, many of which are attributable to human activities.
Common causes of turtle injuries include vehicle collisions, lawnmower accidents, attacks by unsupervised dogs, and entrapment in fishing tackle. The Wildlife Center emphasizes that anyone can contribute to turtle conservation with simple actions.
To help protect these creatures, the Center encourages the public to assist turtles crossing roads, check yards before mowing, keep dogs leashed, and avoid relocating turtles from their natural habitats. Additionally, adopting only from reputable rescues instead of capturing wild turtles can help curb illegal trafficking.
Through small, conscious actions, everyone can play a vital role in ensuring the survival of these vulnerable species. For more tips on how to protect turtles, please visit the Wildlife Center’s dedicated page.
Together, we can make a significant impact in preserving turtle populations for future generations.
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