Meet Susan!

The woman who started it all.

Hi friends,

Susan Tellem co-founded American Tortoise Rescue^® in 1990 and launched World Turtle Day^® in 2000. The date? May 23. Her birthday. Because when you start a global movement, you get to pick the day. She turns 81 this year, marking 36 years that she's been rescuing turtles and tortoises, fighting for their protection, and somehow convincing the entire world to celebrate turtles on her birthday.

Susan Tellem, co-founder of American Tortoise Rescue

World Turtle Day^® turns 26 this year. You turn 81. On the same day. Who's aged better: you or the turtles?

"Turtles have a 200 million year head start. They haven't asked for glasses and they have an impeccable skin care routine. Obviously a turtle ages better. They will outlive me."

What's the one thing you wish you could tell every person who finds a turtle in their yard?

"I wish that each person would pick up the turtle and put it in a safe place. Ask around and see if someone has lost a turtle or tortoise. In cities and neighborhoods, most likely they are a lost turtle."

Evil the turtle was named for biting you on day one. Has he mellowed out at all?

"Evil will always be evil. He's a little stinker and he knows it. We love him anyways."

🎂

Susan turns 81 on May 23.
The ultimate birthday flex.

Want to send her a birthday wish?
Tag @worldturtleday with #ShellYeahSusan
or just reply to this email. We'll make sure she sees it.

15 days to go

Haven't grabbed your free toolkit yet? Get everything you need to Shellebrate on May 23:

>>Families

>>Educators

>>Zoos & Aquariums

>>Rescues & Rehabilitators

Looking for coloring pages? Grab them here!

Shell yeah.
The World Turtle Day Team

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A global movement by American Tortoise Rescue^®

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