Tortoise Takeover Auction Launches

Wednesday, 2 August 2023 17:19

Going, Going, Going, Gone! The auction has started for Tortoise Takeover Trial, giving islanders a very unique opportunity.

People can try and buy the 'Love to Run' sculpture which is a two-metre tall hare painted by Nick Romeril.

The online auction house has opened its doors, allowing islanders to bid on their favourite sculptures to raise money for Durrell.

The money raised from the live sale will go towards improvements to the amphibian and reptile house at Jersey Zoo.

Celebrity auctioneer Charles Hanson is returning to Jersey to sell off the 49 giant tortoises at the Royal Yacht after helping with the Go Wild Gorilla event in 2019.

Alexandra Shears, Director of Fundraising, says the online auction launch is an important milestone for the takeover.

"As well as bringing enjoyment to islanders and visitors alike, the trail will help us raise much-needed funds to support our vital work with the many species of reptiles and amphibians we work with both here and in the wild.

"Being able to place bids whilst the trail is still on, is a new element for Tortoise Takeover, which we hope will bring even more excitement for the auction."

The online app data shows that the Tortoise Takeover has been more popular than the last trial.

Durrell hopes the hare sculpture will be bought alongside a tortoise to mirror Aesop's Fabel: 'The Tortoise and the Hare.'