GIANT tortoise sculptures were placed around the Island overnight for Durrell’s latest trail.
Fifty models of the reptiles will be in various parks, wild spaces and coastlines until 31 August.
The fibreglass tortoises will join 65 smaller tortoises that have already been on display since 16 June, forming Jersey’s largest art trail.
Ahead of the launch, Durrell – who are hosting the trail in partnership with the worldwide public events co-ordinators Wild in Art – invited the 50 tortoise sponsors to a preview evening, hosted by Blue Islands and Ports of Jersey.
Official trail maps will be available at certain locations across the Island, such as Jersey Zoo, Jersey Airport, Jersey Harbour, Liberation Station and various hotels.
Durrell chief executive Dr Lesley Dickie said: ‘Tortoises have been on earth for millennia, and we want to make sure they continue to have a future, which this trail will help us work towards.’
All 115 tortoise sculptures will eventually be placed at the Zoo and available for Islanders to see between 14 and 17 September, which will be followed by an auction on 21 September. It is hoped that funds raised from the auction of the tortoise sculptures will be enough to support the construction of the new tropical house for Durrell’s endangered reptile and amphibian inhabitants.
Islanders can keep up to date with the tortoises on tortoisetakeover.org or by searching #JerseyTortoises and following @JerseyTortoises via social media platforms.
