Aspen Art Museum’s upcoming exhibition, features tortoises carrying iPads on their backs, a repurposing that has drawn criticism from animal activists.

Tortoises typically use their hard shells for protection, but one artist has come up with a new purpose for them.

Aspen Art Museum’s upcoming exhibition, features tortoises carrying iPads on their backs, a repurposing that has drawn criticism from animal activists.

The work, titled Moving Ghost Town, was created by celebrated Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang.

It includes an environment that mimics those found in the 3 abandoned towns playing on the tablets.

The footage was originally taken by tortoises in the same way it’s being presented – with them toting the iPads around on their shells.

A statement released by the institution points out that the technology is light and has been determined not to be a harmful burden.

They also note that a veterinarian has examined each of the tortoises involved, all of which were rescued from a breeder, and said they have adapted well.

Those who are asking the museum to cancel the exhibition have begun collecting petition signatures.

PETA responded to the initiative saying they would look into the situation.