Today, on World Turtle Day, African wildlife conservation charity Tusk is proud to announce the launch of the Tusk Turtle Trail, a bold public art initiative which will arrive in London from July – August 2025.
Following the success of Tusk’s Rhino, Lion and Gorilla Trails held between 2018 and 2023, Tusk’s Turtle Trail will feature 16 life-sized turtle sculptures displayed in prominent locations on the streets of the capital, including the West End’s world-class art district, Covent Garden and Seven Dials, Piccadilly Circus, Carnaby Street and The View From The Shard, each designed by renowned artists and public figures.
Open to all, this free street art installation will run through July and August, concluding with a charity auction of the sculptures in October. Each sculpture will tell a unique story, celebrating turtles’ beauty whilst drawing attention to the threats to their existence and the people working tirelessly in Africa to protect them. Funds raised through the 2025 Turtle Trail will directly support Tusk’s Partners’ marine conservation projects.
Curated by Chris Westbrook of Westbrook Gallery and supported by Art of London, Shaftesbury Capital and The View From The Shard, the Tusk Turtle Trail’s bale of turtles will be designed by an extraordinary invited list of artists and public figures from the worlds of art, design, photography, music, theatre and television, all of whom will uniquely design and paint a sculpture.
Participating artists will include: The Rolling Stones guitarist and Tusk ambassador, Ronnie Wood; Dragons’ Den stars and entrepreneurs Deborah Meaden and Steven Bartlett; English actor and comedian and his wife John and Jen Cleese; British photographer Rankin; writer and artist Harland Miller; British illustrator Ralph Steadman and others. Each turtle sculpture has been generously sponsored by a Tusk partner or supporter.
The Tusk Turtle Trail is made possible thanks to the support of our partners and sponsors. DHL, a long-standing logistics partner of Tusk, returns as lead sponsor for the campaign.
Nick Bubb, CEO of Tusk, said, “Marine turtles have navigated our oceans for over 100 million years, yet six out of seven species are now threatened with extinction. From entanglement in fishing gear to plastic pollution and rising sea levels, human activity has decimated turtle populations across the globe.
“The aim of our Turtle Trail is to inspire collective action to celebrate and protect one of the most ancient and endangered marine species. Tusk is proud to champion marine projects in some of Africa’s most vulnerable coastal communities. Proceeds from the Turtle Trail’s beautiful sculptures will go directly to their vital work.”
Tusk Ambassador, Ronnie Wood, said, “I’m delighted to be part of Tusk’s Turtle Trail. Marine turtles are not just beautiful creatures – they’re vital to the health of our oceans, from coral reefs to seagrass beds. Protecting marine turtles means protecting our oceans. It’s a cause that matters deeply, and I’m proud to lend my artwork to support it.”
Curator Chris Westbrook said, “The Tusk Turtle Trail aims to make the invisible visible – drawing attention to the crisis facing marine life and the ocean’s crucial role in slowing climate change. The ocean has absorbed 90% of the heat trapped in our atmosphere and one-third of the carbon dioxide emitted since the Industrial Revolution. Harnessing the emotional and communicative power of art is the perfect vehicle to inspire collective action and drive positive change across the widest of audiences.”
The street art installation will encourage visitors to follow the ‘trail’ via an easy-to-use downloadable and printable map, providing a fun, interactive experience perfect for families or individuals looking to explore the capital. Maps will be available at tuskturtletrail.com when the trail launches, and visitors will be able to make donations to Tusk through the website and via QR codes on the sculptures. Pickfords moving and storage firm has been managing arrangements for the Turtle Trail since the start of the project.
Dr. Manjula Tiwari, President of Ocean Ecology Network and Tusk project partner, said, “The Tusk Turtle Trail is more than art – it symbolises the beauty of and threats to the planet’s oceans. Each of the beautiful turtles on this trail tells a story of accidental capture, disappearing coral reefs, overfishing, plastic pollution, and climate change. Africa’s marine ecosystems are biodiversity powerhouses that sustain communities and climate alike.
“With Tusk’s unwavering support, we work hand in hand with local communities to protect these vital habitats and the species within them. When we protect our oceans, we protect our future.”
