(WXYZ) — It's World Turtle Day!
The Detroit Zoo is celebrating the occasion with events to learn about the more than 300 recognized species of turtles that inhabit waters around the world.
Events will take place at both the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At the zoo, guests can look at turtles in a natural setting while learning fun facts about the species that live at the Detroit Zoo and efforts to conserve them in the wild.
Zookeeper talks will be held at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Visitors will be able to measure the weight and length of life-like turtle figures and use binoculars to find and idenitfy different species.
At the Belle Isle Nature Center, guests will be able to participate in crafts, discover the role turtles play in the ecosystem and go on a turtle-spotting adventure both indoors and out.
“More than half of all turtle species across the globe are facing extinction,” said DZS Chief Life Sciences Officer Scott Carter. “Several of these, such as the McCord’s box turtle and the western pond turtle, can be seen in the Detroit Zoo’s Holden Reptile Conservation Center. World Turtle Day is a great opportunity for people to learn about turtles and what’s happening to them around the world.”
