American Tortoise Rescue Celebrates World Turtle Day May 23

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For Immediate Release

American Tortoise Rescue Celebrates World Turtle Day May 23

CALIFORNIA, MALIBU, May. 23 -/E-Wire/-- American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the rescue, rehabilitation and

protection of all species of tortoise and turtle, is sponsoring World Turtle Day to

help people celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises, and their disappearing

habitats around the world.

ATR offers permanent sanctuary to injured, abandoned and lost turtles and tortoises,

as well as temporary housing for those confiscated by law enforcement. The ones that

are too ill or abused for adoption remain in the care of ATR permanently. Since 1990,

ATR has placed about 1,500 tortoises and turtles in caring homes through their active

adoption program, according to founders Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, a husband

Thompson says that many people mistakenly see these special animals as just "rocks

with legs,' while, in fact, their existence is a bellwether of survival of life on

this planet as a whole.

"These creatures have walked the planet for about 200 million years,' said Thompson. "But in the past 50 years, development, habitat destruction, the cruel pet

trade and the exotic food industry have killed millions of these endangered

The rescue enjoys an international reputation among humane organizations, federal and

state animal protection agencies, reptile lovers and the general public who run into

problems with sick, neglected or abandoned turtles. ATR assists law enforcement when

undersized or endangered turtles are confiscated.

"Outlaw vendors at the beach, at downtown mercados and at Asian live food markets

throughout the U.S. are a major problem for turtles, especially cute hatchling water

turtles called red-eared sliders, which have an almost 100% mortality rate due to

ignorance,' Thompson said.

"Our ultimate goal is to stop the illegal trade in turtles and tortoises around the

world. But our first priority are pet stores and reptile shows selling illegal

hatchling tortoises,' said Thompson. "A 1974 federal law still prohibits the sale of

any turtle or tortoise under four inches, no matter what the species. People

unfamiliar with their care run the real risk of salmonella infection.'

For information, contact ATR at 800/938-3553 or at www.tortoise.com.

American Tortoise Rescue

http://www.tortoise.com

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