While visiting the zoo the other day, my sister in law kept telling my daughter that the giant tortoise was a big turtle. I kept trying to explain to her that they were two different things, but she just didn’t get it. When I went to explain it further, I realized that I didn’t really know what the differences were, just that there were defiantly differences. It lead me to research what those actual differences are, besides just size.

The number one difference I found during research is that turtles live near or in the water, and have adapted to be able to hold their breath under water. Tortoises, on the other hand, typically live in dry, arid places and have a special way of storing water, much like camels. In fact, if tortoises tried to wade out into water they would likely drown, because they cannot swim. Tortoises don’t have the streamlined shells and webbed feet that turtles do.

The number of turtles living in the wild is quickly dwindling. Hunting, habitat destruction, and pollution all contribute to the loss. Most people feel that there is nothing that they can do to help. That is not the case, even if you cannot donate time or money, you can still help turtles regain their numbers. The following list will provide you with ideas that will help save the turtles of the World.

When I was a child I received a very special gift. My mother brought home a bouquet of Tulips she had gotten at work. Tucked inside one of the flowers was the tiniest little turtle I had ever seen. I loved nature and immediately started researching all about what he was and how to care for him. I named him Killer and decided he should live in the small pond in our back yard. Killer was a red eared slider, which are a common species of turtle to be kept as pets.