Tortoise Takeover is an island-wide, public art trail, which will feature 50 tortoise sculptures installed through St Helier and across Jersey’s beauty spots in order to raise awareness of the endangered status of chelonians (the group which includes tortoises, turtles and terrapins) and to raise funds for a new tropical house at Jersey Zoo. The trail will run from the 1st of July through to the end of August, before having one last hurrah at Jersey Zoo on the weekend of the 14th of September.

Butterfield’s tortoise– which was secured at a ‘shell-ection’ event held by Durrell for sponsors – has been designed by local digital and print artist, Pixelhands. A founding member of the Groove Collective, he is committed to art in the public space – where it belongs. The design of the tortoise will be unveiled closer to the launch of the trail.

Richard Saunders, Butterfield’s Managing Director of the Channel Islands, said: ‘We are delighted to be participating in Tortoise Takeover and helping to raise funds a new tropical house at Jersey Zoo, whilst also celebrating Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust’s 60th anniversary. Butterfield is also celebrating its 50th year in the Channel Islands and we can’t think of a better way to mark it than by getting people out to enjoy the natural beauty of Jersey for a good cause.’

This marks a continuation of Butterfield’s support for the local organisation, with the ongoing sponsorship of the Durrell Challenge – an annual fun run. This year’s ‘Tortoise and Hare’ themed race will take place on the 14th of May.

For more information on Tortoise Takeover or to find out more about the important work of Durrell, visit https://tortoisetakeover.org/. To learn about Butterfield’s environmental and sustainability initiatives, visit the bank’s website.