The Santa Barbara Zoo is celebrating World Turtle Day with naturalist and author Sy Montgomery and illustrator Matt Patterson, who will host a Turtle Talk, 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 23 in the zoo’s Discovery Pavilion.

The two will talk about turtles during a local stop on a tour promoting their latest collaboration “The Book of Turtles.”

The picture book, which is suitable for audiences of all ages, features Patterson’s lifelike art, alongside facts about turtle evolution, turtle talents, celebrity turtles, and information on how to help protect turtles.

For example, the Western pond turtle, California’s only native turtle species, is in trouble, and the Santa Barbara Zoo is part of a national effort to help save it from extinction. To find out more about the zoo’s efforts, click here.

The Turtle Talk event is free, but reservations are required. Non-alcoholic beverages will be served and copies of “The Book of Turtles” will be available for purchase.

For more about the Turtle Talk and to reserve a spot please email RSVP@sbzoo.org.

The Santa Barbara Zoo strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage and participate fully. To request accommodations, or for inquiries about accessibility, email welcome@sbzoo.org.