LAST CHANCE: Want to say ‘toodle-oo’ to the tortoises?

Friday 15 September 2023

Dozens of tortoise sculptures have arrived at the Zoo ready for their final farewell after taking over Jersey this summer.

Islanders will be able to say goodbye to the tortoises between now and Sunday 17 September upon entry to Jersey Zoo, and grab the last few app codes to complete the trail, before they go to auction next Thursday.

While the trail has served to raise awareness of Durrell's world-leading conservation work all over the world, the key aim of the sculpture auction, which will be taking place next Thursday, is to raise money for a new reptile enclosure to house the many endangered species that are looked after at Jersey Zoo.

Pictured: Bailiwick Express – which has been proud to be the official sponsor of the Tortoise Takeover this summer – this morning went to say 'toodle-oo' to our own tortoise, Toadstooly Tortoise by artist 'Marnie Makes'. You can read more about her HERE.

“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," said Director of Fundraising and Communications Alex Shears.

"It's also an opportunity for potential bidders to come and choose their favourites ahead of the auction," she added.

Pictured: Islanders will be able to say goodbye to the tortoises between now and Sunday 17 September upon entry to Jersey Zoo.

"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.”

Want to bid for a tortoise?

Islanders still have time to sign up to either attend the auction in person at The Royal Yacht Hotel, 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.

READ MORE...

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...