Today is World Turtle Day. Established in 2000, May 23 calls for worldwide recognition of turtle conservation. In the past several years, conservation efforts have finally begun to succeed in saving gopher tortoises from live burial on construction sites in Florida. In other parts of the world, turtles are nesting in record numbers, which can partially be attributed to protection they receive under "critically endangered" status. Alas, legislation in effect since 1975 banning the sale of turtles under 4" may be repealed in order to, of all things, financially aid turtle breeders. Let's start subsidizing puppy mills while we're at it, shall we?

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Ill boy receives new home for tortoises

"When Nick Gleissner was offered a gift through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he asked for a new home for Elvis, Emily and Paul, his three African Spurred tortoises.

On Saturday, the habitat in the Gleissners' backyard was revealed to about 60 family members and friends from school, church and work.

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County and the Inland Empire accepted Nick's application about six months ago.

President and CEO Mark Pilon said about 50 of the approximately 300 wishes his chapter awards each year are creative projects such as the tortoise habitat.

Pilon called on personal friend Richard Orr for help because he knew his wife, Betty, had raised tortoises for years.

Orr designed and renovated the Gleissners' 123-by-44-foot backyard into an oasis of lush lawn, a large patio and a tortoise enclosure that includes a log cabin, waterfall, pond and heating lamps for cold winter nights.

"It's even better than I thought it would be," said Nick. "It is really neat." "

TPWD Commission approves turtle restrictions -- First-ever commercial harvest restraint passes unanimously

"In a groundbreaking move, Texas Parks and Wildlife commissioners on Thursday unanimously approved restrictions on the commercial harvest of turtles in Texas.

The turtle harvest regulation [...] will ban all turtle catches in public waters in Texas[.]"