Each year, World Turtle Day® offers an opportunity to celebrate and protect one of the planet’s most ancient and vulnerable groups of animals. We and our conservation partners celebrate around the world by engaging local communities and spreading awareness on the plight of turtles, and what they can do to help.
This year from May 22 – 24, TSA Madagascar marked the occasion with a vibrant, multi-day celebration, bringing together communities, partners, and government leaders across three regions: Analamanga, Androy, and Atsimo Andrefana.
These events highlighted not only the cultural significance of Madagascar’s iconic tortoises and turtles, but also the collective effort required to ensure their survival.
Analamanga: Education and Engagement in the Capital
In Analamanga, celebrations took place at the Tsimbazaza Botanical and Zoological Park in Antananarivo. The site came alive with interactive games, environmental education activities, and awareness campaigns designed to engage visitors of all ages. This two-day event drew more than 3,100 visitors, most of whom were young students from schools in the area.
The event featured a special focus on the critically endangered Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata), helping visitors better understand the urgency of our conservation efforts. An official ceremony brought together representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, academic institutions, youth clubs, and conservation partners. A press briefing shared across five media channels, reaching over 15,000 people, further amplified the importance of protecting Madagascar’s unique biodiversity.
Atsimo Andrefana: Culture, Community, and Conservation
In the southwest region, World Turtle Day® was celebrated through a blend of cultural and recreational activities. Festivities included a colorful carnival, a football tournament, and an evening filled with music and dance.
Local communities gathered for beach games, environmental-themed competitions such as “Miss & Mister Environment,” and awareness activities that connected conservation with everyday life. These events, attended by over 600 people, demonstrated how environmental stewardship can be woven into community traditions, making conservation both meaningful and accessible.
Androy: Partnerships and Community Impact
In Androy, celebrations were centered at the Community Outreach Center (COC) in Tsihombe and surrounding areas. Activities emphasized education, collaboration, and long-term impact. This two-day event was attended by over 800 people.
Key highlights included:
- Educational sessions and community celebrations
- Presentations of grassroots conservation and livelihood projects
- Promotion of community-based products and services
- Strengthening ecotourism opportunities through regional tourism partners
A major milestone of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between TSA and the University of Anjombakilala Androy, reinforcing a shared commitment to conservation, research, and community development.
Regional authorities, including representatives from environmental, infrastructure, and communication sectors, joined local leaders, mayors, and international partners to celebrate and strengthen collaboration.
A Collective Effort for Conservation
These celebrations were made possible through the strong collaboration between TSA Madagascar, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, and its regional departments, local communities, and a wide network of partners. These include AZA SAFE, the Tsimbazaza Botanical and Zoological Park, PA-CIWT Madagascar, Environmental and Outreach by Key Youth (EOKY) clubs, and many others.
Additional moments of recognition included the presence of Durrell representatives in Antananarivo and the celebration of 40 years of Durrell’s conservation work in Madagascar.
A National Treasure Worth Protecting
Throughout all events, a clear message was shared: Madagascar’s tortoises and turtles are a national heritage. They cannot be killed, exported, consumed, or kept as pets. Protecting them is not only a legal responsibility but a cultural and environmental imperative.
From educational games and community festivals to formal partnerships and grassroots initiatives, World Turtle Day® in Madagascar showcased the power of unity in conservation. Each activity, each partnership, and each participant plays a role in ensuring that these remarkable species continue to thrive for generations to come.
And of course, no celebration would be complete without a bit of fun—community games and competitions with prizes added excitement across all regions, reminding us that conservation can be both impactful and joyful.
Scroll down the gallery below for highlights from the three events, which spanned multiple regions of Madagascar and provided education and entertainment to thousands of community members and students.
Header image: TSA Madagascar staff & community members celebrate World Turtle Day® at the Tsimbazaza Botanical and Zoological Park in Antananarivo. All images courtesy of TSA Madagascar
