Mr Turpen is a male Galapagos tortoise that lives in the Pitcairn Islands. These animals were known as " turpins", for example Charles Darwin wrote "Met an immense Turpin; took little notice of me." [1]
History
Mr Turpen was brought to the Pitcairn Islands on the brigantine Yankee in 1937. [2] He was unloaded by longboat, at Bounty Bay. Mr Turpen is the only survivor of the five Galapagos tortoises brought to the Pitcairn Islands between 1937 and 1951. [2] An ordinance was passed to protect Mr Turpen, by the Island Council; anyone harming him is liable to 60 days imprisonment. [2]
On 14 January 2000 the Pitcairn Islands issued a set of postage stamps celebrating Mr Turpen and the protection ordinance. [2]
References
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