Memes featuring the shell-clad reptiles can also help you make subtle remarks at an employee who has trouble being punctual. And let’s not forget the potential for dark humor when it comes to those disastrous paper straws — they’re almost begging to become a turtle meme. Unlike the raccoon memes, which are so last season, turtle memes aren’t yet mainstream, age like fine wine, and will surely conjure some wholesome chuckles. So, let’s dive into our handpicked assortment of favorite turtle memes that will require you to slow down, be patient, and enjoy a leisurely-paced humor. According to NC State University, a turtle’s shell is critical for survival and functions similarly to a human spine (1). The shell is made of bone and keratin, the same substance found in human nails and hair. Additionally, the shell acts as a protective barrier, shielding turtles from extreme weather, predators, and sun exposure. A damaged shell can lead to infections or even death. Another interesting fact is that turtles can’t leave their shells, contrary to what is often portrayed in cartoons and movies. The shell is part of their skeletal system, making it impossible for them to exit it voluntarily. According to the National Wildlife Federation, the closest example is the softshell turtle, which appears to have no hard shell (2). Most recently, this metaphor was popularized in a movie based on John Green’s novel of the same name. Released on Max, the “Turtles All the Way Down” stars Isabela Merced, Felix Mallard, and Cree Cicchino. The plot centers around 16-year-old Aza (Merced), who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder and explores themes of friendship, mental illness, and love (4). 2015, a viral YouTube video titled “Sea Turtle with Straw up its Nostril — ’ NO’ TO SINGLE-USE PLASTIC” surfaced (5). The video shows a sea turtle in distress with a plastic straw stuck in its nose. This video sparked a global movement to reduce plastic straw use and led to the #StopSucking campaign (6). Sea turtles often mistake plastic debris for food, which can cause internal injuries and digestive blockages. Plastic straws, though a small part of the larger pollution problem, pose a significant risk to baby turtles, sometimes causing nasal damage that makes them more susceptible to drowning (WWF, 2021) (6). Although the use of plastic straws is just a fraction of the overall pollution issue, their lightweight nature, brief lifespan, and careless disposal make them a critical environmental problem that needs urgent attention. Follow Bored Panda on Google News! Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda! Please use high-res photos without watermarks Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.
