It's World Turtle Day!

World Turtle Day was initiated in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue, a turtle and tortoise rescue organization founded in 1990. The group brings attention to turtle conservation issues around the world and highlights ways each of us can help protect these gentle but jeopardized animals. Despite its hardships, May is a busy month for turtles. Many have recently emerged from winter hibernation and are beginning their search for mates and nesting areas. For this reason, May 23 was designated World Turtle Day.

Turtles have been returning to the beaches of Akumal and the Mexican Caribbean to nest for centuries. This is our legacy, to ensure their safe return to Akumal beaches for generations to come. In the spirit of World Turtle Day, we at Akumal Direct would like to share a few ways you can help to honor these fascinating creatures.

• Protect Turtle Habitat
  
• Become active in your local conservation commission or parks and recreation department, and work to preserve turtle habitat.
  
• Visit Centro Ecologico Akumal for more information
  
• Don't Pollute or Litter. Pollution makes its way into bodies of water and wild areas, poisoning turtles and destroying their habitats. Reduce the amount of garbage you produce, and dispose of it properly.
  
• Enjoy Turtles in the Wild. Never keep wild turtles as pets or buy them from a pet store. Learn to enjoy turtles by observing them in their natural habitat, where they belong.
  
• Man-made lights are a huge threat to sea turtles. Please no flashlights, flash cameras or video recorders with artificial lighting during the sea-turtle nesting and hatching season.
  
• Spread the Word. Educate others about the importance of protecting turtles from commercial exploitation, pollution and throughout the world.
  
• Be a voice for turtles!