Mr Turpen

Mr Turpenis a maleGalapagos tortoisethat lives in thePitcairn Islands.These animals were known as "turpins",for exampleCharles Darwinwrote "Met an immense Turpin; took little notice of me."

History

Mr Turpen was brought to the Pitcairn Islands on thebrigantineYankeein 1937.He was unloaded by longboat, atBounty Bay.Mr Turpen is the only survivor of the five Galapagos tortoises brought to the Pitcairn Islands between 1937 and 1951.An ordinance was passed to protect Mr Turpen, by theIsland Council;anyone harming him is liable to 60 days imprisonment.

On 14 January 2000 the Pitcairn Islands issued a set of postage stamps celebrating Mr Turpen and the protection ordinance.