Tortoise Takeover was our second event in partnership with Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, after the huge success of Go Wild Gorillas in 2019, which raised £1,146,500 for the organisation.

The trail debuted a brand new Wild in Art sculpture, the Giant Tortoise, and it inspired Islanders and visitors to explore Jersey and connect with nature.

The charismatic creatures took over the island during the summer of 2023 as ambassadors for the work that Durrell undertakes with reptiles across the globe. Money fundraised from the event will go towards the building of a new Tropical House which will provide improved and sustainable facilities for some of the most endangered species that Durrell works with.

A group of smaller Tortoises, painted by local schools and community groups, were also on display before being gifted back to their respective schools.

At a thrilling auction, the sculptures raised an enormous £720,500 for Durrell. The night also saw a new record for a Wild in Art sculpture sale, when the special Hare sculpture Love to Run sold for a ‘hare-raising’ £100,000.