Cryptodira Collection

Leatherback sea turtle (sphargis coriacea)

Lord Lionel Walter Rothschild (1868-1937)
Lord Rothschild, founder of the Natural History Museum at Tring, riding on the back of a giant tortoise

Geochelone radiata, radiated tortoise
Lithograph by Edward Lear of drawing by James de Carle Sowerby. Plate from Tortoises, Terrapins and Turtles, drawn from life (1872), introduction by Dr. John Edward Gray

Lanius ludovicianus, loggerhead shrike
Plate 57 from John James Audubons Birds of America, original double elephant folio (1827-30), hand-coloured aquatint. Engraved, printed and coloured by R. Havell (& Son), London

C. M. Harris tending 29 live Galapagos Tortoises, 1898
The Tortoises were collected on the Webster-Harris expedition & were en-route to Walter Rothschilds collection. Probably photographed in Hyde Park, Massachusetts

UW INDO 1968 87
Hawksbill Turtle - Cape Kri dive site, Dampier Strait, Raja Ampat, Indonesia Hawksbill Turtle - Cape Kri dive site, Dampier Strait, Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Chelodina longicollis, eastern long-necked turtle
Lithograph by Edward Lear of drawing by James de Carle Sowerby. Plate from Tortoises, Terrapins and Turtles, drawn from life (1872)

Giant tortoise being fed at Tring Park
In 1897 Walter Rothschild despatched explorer Charles Harris to the Galapagos islands to collect a large number of giant tortoises

Giant tortoises at Tring Park
In 1897 Walter Rothschild despatched explorer Charles Harris to the Galapagos islands to collect a large number of giant tortoises

C. Harris feeding Galapagos tortoises, 1898
Sailor and explorer Charles Harris was despatched to the Galapagos islands to collect giant tortoises for Walter Rothschild in 1897

Transporting Giant tortoises
In 1897 Walter Rothschild despatched explorer Charles Harris to the Galapagos islands to collect a large number of giant tortoises

Tortoise (Testudinidae), side view

Tortoise (Testudinidae)

Tortoise (Testudinidae), side view with head withdrawn

Tortoise (Testudinidae), side view

Tortoise (Testudinidae) on the floor

Turtle, artwork C016 / 5679
Turtle (Trionyx sewaare). Illustration number 36 from Reptiles of India, China, Vol I

Geochelone elephantopus, giant tortoise

Sopa, giant tortoise, 1933
The Zoos oldest inhabitant - Sopa the 150 year old giant tortoise - has died, a victim of influenza. Photo and caption by Central News, 2nd Feb 1933

Various carved specimens
A collection of carved specimens including ivory, coral, shell, jet & tortoise shell. A collection of carved specimens including ivory, coral, shell, jet & tortoise shell

Testudo abingdonii, Galapagos Islands
Illustration (p.397) from Charles Darwins Journal of Researches, first illustrated edition 1890

LS Plate 103 from the John Reeves Collection (Zoology)
LS Plate 103 from the John Reeves Collection of Zoological Drawings from Canton, China 1774-1856

LS Plate 102 from the John Reeves Collection (Zoology)
LS Plate 102 from the John Reeves Collection of Zoological Drawings from Canton, China 1774-1856

LS Plate 101 from the John Reeves Collection (Zoology)
LS Plate 101 from the John Reeves Collection of Zoological Drawings from Canton, China 1774-1856

LS Plate 96 from the John Reeves Collection (Zoology)
LS Plate 96 from the John Reeves Collection of Zoological Drawings from Canton, China 1774-1856

Chelonia mydas, green sea turtle
Zoological drawing 44 (1:40). Pencil sketch by Sydney Parkinson (1745-1771) from Sir Joseph Banks commission of natural history drawings on Captain James Cooks first voyage of the Pacific, 1768-1771

Geochelone carbonaria, red-footed tortoise

Eretmochelys imbricata, Hawksbill turtle
George Forster illustration of Hawksbill turtle. Plate 169

Plate 97 from the John Reeves Collection (Zoology)

Namyda agassizii, soft shelled tortoise of Georgia
Drawing 46 (Ewan 24) from the Botanical and zoological drawings (1756-1788) by William Bartram

Clemmys guttata, spotted turtle

Trionyx sewaare, turtle
Number 36, an illustration of a turtle in Reptiles of India, China, Vol I bequeathed by Maj. Gen. Hardwicke

Tortoise and armadillo comparison
A really strange picture, reminds me of 1960s New York art

Mounted tortoise specimen
Photograph of a mounted tortoise specimen from the collections of the Natural History Museum, London

Emydoidea blandingi, Blandings terrapin
Small North American Blandings terrapins. Specimens held at the Natural History Museum, London

Chelonia mydas, green turtle
Hand coloured etching from The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama islands (1731) Vol. 2 by Mark Catesby

Testudo marina, loggerhead turtle
Hand coloured etching from The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama islands (1731) Vol. 2 by Mark Catesby

Stylemys nebrascensis, tortoise carapace
Depicted here is the carapace or shell of the Oligocene tortoise (Stylemys nebrascensis). Specimen originates from Western U.S.A

Testudo graeca, spur-thighed tortoise
Photograph of what is probably a spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) specimen collected by Gilbert White (1720-93)

Marine turtle (c. 1955) by Audrey Weber. Oil on canvas 144 x 170 cm. Held by the Natural History Museum, London

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"Cryptodira: A Fascinating World of Ancient Reptiles and Their Admirers" Step into the captivating world of Cryptodira, a diverse group of reptiles that includes some remarkable species. From the majestic Leatherback sea turtle (sphargis coriacea) to the radiant Geochelone radiata, also known as the radiated tortoise, these creatures have captivated humans for centuries. One notable admirer was Lord Lionel Walter Rothschild (1868-1937), an influential British zoologist who dedicated his life to studying and preserving wildlife. His passion extended beyond turtles to include other fascinating animals like the loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus). In 1898, C. M. Harris was captured tending to 29 live Galapagos Tortoises, showcasing our enduring fascination with these ancient beings. The image of Giant tortoises being fed at Tring Park is a testament to their gentle nature and our efforts in nurturing them. The enchantment continues with UW INDO 1968 87 - a snapshot capturing another moment in time when humans interacted with these magnificent giants at Tring Park. It reminds us of our responsibility towards protecting their habitats and ensuring their survival. Transporting Giant tortoises has been both challenging and necessary for conservation purposes. These incredible creatures require special care during relocation, highlighting our commitment to safeguarding their future. Cryptodira encompasses not only land-dwelling species but also aquatic wonders like Chelodina longicollis, commonly known as the eastern long-necked turtle. Their unique adaptation allows them to thrive in various environments while captivating onlookers with their elongated necks. As we delve deeper into this mesmerizing realm of Cryptodira, let us appreciate these ancient reptiles' resilience and beauty. Through research, conservation efforts, and education initiatives worldwide, we can ensure that future generations will continue to marvel at the wonders of Cryptodira.