If only the world was carried on the back of a turtle. If only Turtwig, Grotle and Torterra from Pokémon could actually ferry our skies and seas away from climate change, and grow mini ecosystems on their shells. We don’t know if Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, founders of American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), were inspired by origin stories to dedicate a day for turtles. But World Turtle Day, celebrated on May 23, is an annual observance that encourages people to conserve turtles and tortoises and their natural habitats.

Deepak Apte