Tortoise Takeover

Tortoise Takeover is an island-wide, public art trail run by Durrell in partnership with Wild in Art, that will bring together every part of Jersey’s community and in turn, protect some of the most threatened species on the planet.

Throughout June to September there will be 50 giant tortoise sculptures and 65 young tortoise sculptures to find across Jersey.

Artists have been decorating giant tortoise sculptures ready for the start of the trail on 1 July. The young tortoise trail kicks off a little bit earlier on 16 June. These smaller sculptures have been designed by local schools and community groups and will pop up in shop windows and public spaces.

Durrell has worked with tortoises for decades. Sadly, chelonians, which includes tortoises, turtles and terrapins, are now the most threatened vertebrate group and need our help more than ever. The Reptile and Amphibian House at Jersey Zoo is home to some of the most endangered species that Durrell works with, but it is in urgent need of improved and more sustainable facilities.

The team has an exciting vision for a Tropical House that will allow them to continue the exemplary care they provide for these precious species.

Ports of Jersey’s involvement

We’re delighted to be one of the Presenting Partners for this fantastic fundraising initiative. As part of our involvement, we have sponsored one of the large tortoises, Bieau P’tit Jèrri, who has been designed by Amy Bourbon. He will be unveiled on 1 July.

We are also community partner to Autism Jersey, who has a tortoise called Tenacious.

Four young tortoises are being hosted on our sites: three at Jersey Airport and one at Elizabeth Terminal.