This story is a reminder that even the smallest animals have a big impact on our world, and it is our responsibility to take good care of them.
Finding A Home
Hermit crabs are fascinating creatures that do not produce their own shells. They simply rely on finding empty shells to get into to protect their delicate abdomens.
Makeshift Homes
One day, in Okinawa, Japan, a resident found hermit crabs using pieces of plastic as makeshift homes, and it broke his heart.
There You Go, Buddy
So he gave it some shells to choose from, and it immediately transferred to its new comfy shell.
“Make The Switch For Nature”
From that, he initiated a project called “Make the Switch for Nature” in 2010 after learning about the increasing number of hermit crabs that were resorting to beach trash for shelter.
How It Works
The people participating in the project collect suitable shells and give them to hermit crabs in need. They place the crab in a bucket and provide it with a variety of shells to choose from.
Fancy Homes
Each new shell is carved with a tracking number and an uplifting message, both to brighten someone’s day and educate them about the importance of leaving shells on the beach for hermit crabs to find.
A Remembrance
A hermit crab’s transition from a plastic home to a natural shell takes about 45 seconds to half an hour. Once it has selected a new shell, the volunteers add the discarded plastic to a collection, which serves as a remembrance of the impact of pollution on marine life.
It Was A Success
The project has already made over 5,000 successful shell switches, thanks to the help of donations from organizations and people who support the cause.
Watch how “Make The Switch For Nature” makes a difference in hermit crabs’ lives in the video below.
Watch Video Here:
