Testudinid Collection

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

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

Galapagos green turtle C016 / 9470
Galapagos green turtle. Aerial view of a Galapagos green turtle (Chelonia mydas agassizi) swimming. The Galapagos green turtle is a subspecies of the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)

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

Spanish pond turtle, artwork C016 / 3216
Spanish pond turtle (Mauremys leprosa), artwork

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

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

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

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

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)

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Lord Lionel Walter Rothschild (1868-1937) was a renowned British zoologist and collector of exotic animals. His passion for wildlife led him to establish a remarkable collection at his estate, Tring Park. Among the many fascinating creatures housed there were giant tortoises, captivating visitors with their majestic presence. In one snapshot captured at Tring Park, we see Lord Rothschild himself feeding a giant tortoise. The image reflects his dedication to studying and preserving these magnificent creatures. Their slow movements and ancient appearance fascinated him, prompting further research into their behavior and conservation. The park became home to several species of giant tortoises, including those from the Galapagos Islands. In another photograph taken in 1898, C. Harris can be seen carefully feeding Galapagos tortoises under Lord Rothschild's watchful eye. These gentle giants thrived in the lush surroundings of Tring Park, providing an opportunity for researchers like Harris to observe them up close. Transporting these colossal reptiles was no easy task due to their size and weight. Yet, dedicated individuals ensured that they were safely relocated when necessary for breeding programs or scientific studies. A glimpse into this process is captured in an intriguing picture showcasing the careful transportation of giant tortoises. Tring Park served as a sanctuary not only for giant tortoises but also other turtle species like the Galapagos green turtle and Spanish pond turtle – each artwork meticulously preserved within its walls as testament to biodiversity's wonders. One particular highlight among these grandiose reptiles was Geochelone elephantopus - commonly known as the giant tortoise - named Sopa who resided at Tring Park in 1933. This individual exemplified both beauty and resilience as it roamed freely within its designated enclosure. Visitors marveled not only at live specimens but also intricately carved representations of testudinids displayed throughout Tring Park's halls.