Turtles are strange-looking creatures, but they're widely loved and revered around the world. This is partly because of their ancient origins and their uniquely long lives, which many cultures believe gives them special wisdom. They symbolize knowledge, time, immortality, and the Earth. Many allegories and fables have been based around their slow and steady lifestyle.
These mysterious reptiles come in all shapes and sizes, can inhabit land or water, and can live to the age of 150! There are plenty of reasons to wonder at the majesty of the turtle. Intrigued? Click through this gallery for more amazing facts.