May 23rd is World Turtle and Tortoise Day – a date celebrated worldwide since the year 2000 to raise awareness about the growing threats these ancient reptiles face. And here in Malta, the message is just as urgent.
From struggling sea turtles to displaced land tortoises, many of these creatures are in peril, often as a direct result of human activity. Thankfully, the Wildlife Rescue Team Malta alongside other volunteer organisations are working tirelessly to protect, rehabilitate, and eventually release these species back into the wild. And today, they’re inviting you to help too.
While turtles and tortoises have roamed the earth for over 200 million years, their biggest challenge today is surviving us. Land tortoises and freshwater turtles are losing their habitats to overdevelopment, construction, litter, and pollution.
Sea turtles face an even broader range of dangers: boat collisions, discarded fishing hooks and nets, ghost nets, ingestion of plastic waste, and even the rising temperatures caused by climate change.
The good news – you don’t need to be a marine biologist to make a positive impact! Here are some simple ways in which you can help:
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle, especially single-use plastics.
- Clean up after yourself at the beach or in the countryside – and why not go the extra mile and do a mini clean-up?
- Keep beaches flat during nesting season, avoiding leaving sandcastles or dug holes that can block hatchlings’ path to the sea.
- Report turtles in distress by calling the Wildlife Rescue Team on 9999 9505 – never attempt to move or handle them yourself.
And here’s the final way you can help: what better way to mark World Turtle and Tortoise Day than by virtually adopting a turtle in rehab?
Right now, the Wildlife Rescue Team is caring for several rescued turtles – some just weeks into recovery, others who’ve needed over a year of specialised care. By adopting one, you’ll be directly contributing to the cost of their food, medicine, and rehabilitation until they’re healthy enough to be released back into the wild.
Adoptions cost just €30 or €60, and you’ll receive a personalised adoption certificate. You’ll also be invited to attend the turtle’s release once it’s ready – a moment that will undoubtedly remain in your heart for a long time.
Interested? Follow this link to virtually adopt a turtle yourself, or as a birthday present for a nature-loving friend or family member.
Remember: it’s illegal to keep these animals as pets in Malta. All wildlife rescues are carried out by trained volunteers with special permits and proper equipment.
So if you spot a wounded, distressed, or stranded turtle or tortoise, don’t intervene – call the Wildlife Rescue Team on 9999 9505 and let the experts take over.
Ready to do your part?