‘Shell-ections’ begin for Tortoise Takeover

Publish date: 18 Jan 2023

Local businesses in Jersey have been given a sneak peek of this year’s Tortoise Takeover trail.

Businesses that chose to sponsor one of the 50 uniquely designed giant tortoise sculptures, were invited to a ‘shellection’ event, on Thursday 12th January, hosted by RBC at Gaspe House, where over 80 shortlisted tortoise designs were on display for the sponsors to choose from. Designs ranged from the wild and whimsical to those with a more serious conservation message and others that showcased Jersey’s landscape and heritage. They were created by artists both well-known and yet to be discovered from Jersey, the UK and further afield.

Once the sponsors have chosen their design, the successful artists will be commissioned to create the 50 large fibreglass sculptures that will be the stars of the Tortoise Takeover trail across Jersey from Saturday 1 July until the end of August 2023.

Sponsorship of the giant tortoises is a vital part of Tortoise Takeover, as it enables the Durrell team to create this island-wide art trail that will delight both locals and islanders and encourage them to explore our beautiful island.

This summer the 50 artist imagined sculptures will go on display through St Helier as well as Jersey’s parks, wild spaces and coastline, taking people on a journey of discovery whilst connecting them to art and nature.
Ultimately this trail is to raise funds to build a new Tropical House for the amphibians and reptiles at Jersey Zoo. The current building is in urgent need of improved and more sustainable facilities and is home to some of the most endangered species that Durrell works with. Sadly, chelonians, which includes tortoises, turtles and terrapins, are now the most threatened vertebrate group and need help more than ever.

Commenting on the ‘Shell-ection’ process, CEO of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Dr Lesley Dickie commented: “It was fantastic to see all the shortlisted designs and feel the excitement building for the trail. I am not envious of the sponsors who have a tough decision ahead of them for choosing their winning tortoise design. These sponsors play a huge part in getting the trail off the ground, which will help us fundraise for the new reptile house at Jersey Zoo, which urgently needs improving. Quite simply, we wouldn’t be able to do Tortoise Takeover without them. We’re all really looking forward to watching the trail develop over the next few months, ahead of its launch in July.”

Charlie Langhorne MD and co-Founder of Wild in Art said: “As always, we are bowled over by the quality of the design submissions and I really would like to thank the artists for their creativity and sheer brilliance. The tortoise is a new Wild in Art sculpture, and I can’t wait to see it transformed into a magical canvas. A canvas that will engage with public, drive a sense of discovery and perhaps encourage us all to slow down and “be more tortoise”.

Click here for more information

Latest news

23 Apr 2025

Walk free, feel alive with Walk in the Park this May

The Jersey National Park invites you to move beyond the familiar - to walk new paths, see with new eyes, and feel what it means to be truly free, with this year’s Walk in the Park.
10 Apr 2025

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays expand Jersey programme for Summer 26

10th April 2025: Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are today announcing a significant expansion to their Jersey programme for Summer 26, by putting a brand-new route, extra capacity and extended seasons on sale.
08 Apr 2025

Patrick Burke Re-Elected to the International Advisory Board of Small Luxury Hotels of the World

The Atlantic Hotel is delighted to announce that Patrick Burke, Owner and Managing Director, has been re-elected as a member of the International Advisory Board of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH). This prestigious appointment enables Patrick to continue to contribute his extensive expertise to the strategic direction of this globally recognised luxury hotel brand.
07 Apr 2025

Longueville Manor receives Customer Excellence Award from British Airways Holidays

Longueville Manor Hotel & Restaurant is delighted to announce that it has achieved a British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award in recognition of its consistently high guest reviews from customers of British Airways in 2024.
03 Apr 2025

British Superbike Champion to Headline Jersey International Motoring Festival

The 2025 Jersey International Motoring Festival (JIMF), the Channel Islands’ premier celebration of motorsport heritage, is set to welcome 2018 British Superbike Champion and World Superbike race winner Leon Haslam for an unforgettable showcase of motorcycle racing history.
21 Mar 2025

Iconic Jersey visitor attraction welcomes exciting future under new ownership

The Jersey War Tunnels, one of the island’s most iconic and historically significant tourist attractions, has entered an exciting new chapter.
19 Mar 2025

Visit Jersey board to appoint Martin George as Chair

The Board of Directors of Visit Jersey Limited, the organisation responsible for promoting Jersey as a tourist destination, today announces that current Non-Executive Director Martin George will be appointed as Non-Executive Chair on 2 June 2025 when current Non-Executive Chair Lisa Springate retires.
18 Mar 2025

Exploring Jersey’s Rich Geological History

Step back in time and explore the fascinating geological and historical landscape of Jersey’s north-western corner with the Around L’Etacq and Le Pinacle Geowalk, hosted by the Aspiring Jersey Island Geopark.
10 Mar 2025

Jersey Pearl Partners with EVie

Jersey Pearl is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with EVie, bringing sustainable transport to the west of the island for both locals and visitors.
07 Mar 2025

Jersey 2024 Tourism Statistics

Jersey had an increase of visits, with a total of 568,000 people exploring the island. This is an increase of 8% year on year, which is the equivalent to 40,000 more people.
26 Feb 2025

Take a walk on the wild side this Easter at Jersey Zoo

Opening on Saturday 29 March at Durrell’s Discovery Centre, visitors will have a chance to see some of Britain’s wildlife up close, whilst also learning more about their precious habitats.
20 Feb 2025

Taste Jersey Food Festival Returns to Showcase Island’s Culinary Excellence

This annual celebration of Jersey's vibrant culinary scene showcases the diverse styles in the Island's leading restaurants.