Prep progress on big Testudo tortoise

[Xiphactinus]

Thought I’d start a thread documenting the preparation of a large Testudo tortoise we collected in Eastern Wyoming this summer. We were guided by expert @jpc  I highly recommend hiring him as a guide not only for his knowledge and talent, but because he’s a really good guy and fun to collect with. 
 

Here are a couple of shots of the excavation and flipped plaster jacket. 

[Xiphactinus]

Currently working on the underside of the turtle. There are many cracks and fractures that will have to be dealt with. 

[Danielb]

Looks good so far, Good luck!

Edited December 17, 2023 by Danielb

[Tidgy's Dad]

Good luck with the prep.

Tidgy is a Testudo graeca graeca.

Do you know the species of this specimen?

[Xiphactinus]

3 minutes ago, Tidgy's Dad said:

Good luck with the prep.

Tidgy is a Testudo graeca graeca.

Do you know the species of this specimen?

I don’t know the species yet. Maybe you can help me with that ID once it’s cleaned up a bit more!

[Tidgy's Dad]

6 minutes ago, Xiphactinus said:

I don’t know the species yet. Maybe you can help me with that ID once it’s cleaned up a bit more!

Be glad to help if I can.

I have studied the tortoises found in this formation a little.

[jpc]

Oooohhh.. nice turtle.  Don't forget to glue each crack as they show up.  

 

(Thanks for the kind words).  

[Ludwigia]

[Ptychodus04]

20 hours ago, jpc said:

Don't forget to glue each crack as they show up

 

100% agree. Glue them right away or they will start to open up on you.

[Xiphactinus]

Got a couple more hours in on Mertle (seems like a good name!)

[Randyw]

Mertle the turtle! I love the name! Can’t wait to see how it comes out!