Find out what the tortoise taught us with Zelva, a beautiful giant Tortoise. Walk side by side with the world’s oldest and most awesome reptile, help to feed her and stroke her enormous shell. Learn how to slow down, take life easy…and never forget to stop and eat the roses!
Zelva is not a person in a suit, but rather a high-tech robot. She doesn’t get tired, isn’t limited by how far she can walk and doesn’t have a sore back at the end of the day. Designed and built over a 3 year period by The Flying Buttresses – who have lent their making talents to films such as Prometheus, Guardians of the Galaxy and Artemis Fowl – Zelva represents a unique approach to animatronics and is a big leap forward in the art of live puppetry.
This show takes the technical skill and artistry of animatronic technology but removes it from its usual static, repetitive display setting and transports it to a free-roaming, live, interactive experience. Zelva is the world’s only walking animatronic character of this type and an encounter with her is a singular experience, not to be missed.
The act is available in two versions – one that has a keen emphasis on the themes of environmental awareness, including biodiversity and loss of habitat – and a second version that is more geared toward pure entertainment.
Technical details
3 x 30 minutes OR 4 x 20 minute sessions.
This act dislikes stairs but can fit in any service lift and some larger passenger lifts.
Zelva is a real robot and cannot work in any level of rain.
Secure, private changing area required with mains power for battery charging.
A pop-up gazebo is available if necessary.
Parking is required for one large vehicle.