Although he may seem shy at first, Colin is a turtle-y awesome dude once he comes out of his shell. And what a glorious exoskeleton it is, because it’s covered in shiny rep-tiles and features plenty of intricate details. This proud Territorian is one of the most beautiful Bigs around, and ready to splash his way into your heart!
Colin was built in 2004 to celebrate the new northern Darwin suburb of Lyons, which begs the question, why not a Big Lion? Techy Masero – the virtuoso who gave the world the Big Barramundi and George the Croc – is behind this four-metre-wide mosaic masterpiece, with assistance from local indigenous artists.
They’ve certainly tortoise a thing or two about Big Things, because this work is right up there with the Big Kookaburra and Murray the Cod as one of the finest works of art this country has produced. For example, just look at that exquisite mosaic tiling! Colin is such a cutie!
By the way, so is his American cousin, Howie – yee-haw!
Green and serene, Col’s happy chilling in a quiet corner of the suburban Garamanak Park, next to a community centre and opposite a bunch of houses. Given his location, it’s a good thing he’s friendlier than his stingy neighbours, the Giant Jellyfish!
He shuns the spotlight and is happy for local kiddies and his steadily growing fanbase to get up close and personal – he certainly didn’t flipper out when I climbed on top of him. I could spend all day telling you stories about Col, but I’m not into Galapa-gossiping!
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