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Three new Tortoise Takeover sculptures have been revealed ahead of the big auction to raise funds for a new amphibian and reptile house at Jersey Zoo – including a Fabergé egg-themed creation.
The smaller 'young' tortoises will join the giant tortoise sculptures, as well as the hare, going under the hammer on 21 September 2023.
Designed by artist Gabriella Street as an ode to "Sanctuary" - its bigger sister which appeared on the trail this summer - the colourful 'Oasis' showcases many of the species Durrell works with.
It was influenced by visits made by HRH The Princess Royal to Jersey Zoo and the Trust’s outposts around the world.
'The Fabergé Tortoise'
Created by Kristian Movahed and carefully crafted by Wild in Art’s fibreglass master, this jewel like young tortoise can uniquely be opened like Peter Carl Fabergé’s famous eggs.
The design aims to reflect the beauty of Jersey – a jewel of the British Isles, with its hidden interior.
The final 'new release' is a blank canvas.
On offer at the auction is an opportunity to create a bespoke piece of art with a blank sculpture and the chance to work with the Tortoise Takeover Team to commission an artist from a select group to design a tortoise to suit your home or garden.
A 'Tortoise Toodle-oo' event is taking place between 14 and 17 September at Jersey Zoo, where all tortoises will be back together for one last time - offering islanders a chance to say goodbye to their favourite sculptures before they go to auction and grab the last few app codes for anyone needing to complete their collection.
Fundraising and Communications Director Alex Shears said: “Now that all the sculptures are off the trail excitement is really building for the final two events of Tortoise Takeover. We hope to see thousands of people visit the zoo over the four-day Toodle-oo event as a chance to say goodbye to these magical works of art.
"It's also an opportunity for potential bidders to come and choose their favourites ahead of the auction. The auction itself is an event not to be missed. We are delighted to be welcoming back Charles Hanson as our auctioneer, who bought the house down in 2019, raising over £1million at the Go Wild Gorillas auction. Ultimately, the auction is to raise funds to create new reptile and amphibian facilities at Jersey Zoo. As the biodiversity crisis deepens, we need to increase our efforts to conserve these threatened and endangered species.”
Entry to Tortoise Toodle-oo is free for members and normal zoo admissions apply for non-members.
Islanders still have time to sign up to either attend the auction in person at The Royal Yacht Hotel & Spa or to bid on their favourite tortoise online.
You can find more information on the auction and register to bid online here or email julia.voce@durrell.org if you are interested in attending the live auction.
In the latest edition of Connect Magazine, we spoke to Head of Reptiles, Matt Goetz, on how the Tortoise Takeover will help animals at Jersey Zoo and Durrell's wider conservation efforts...
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