ASPEN, Colo. (AP) — Three tortoises wearing iPads for a controversial Aspen, Colorado, art exhibit have been removed at a veterinarian's request because of wet, cool weather.

The tortoises at the Aspen Art Museum were taken to undisclosed conservation site on Monday, less than three weeks after the exhibit opened. The Aspen Art Museum says the conservation site will be the permanent home for the African sulcata tortoises.

The Aspen Times reports (http://bit.ly/VLIsJO ) that museum insists the removal was not a response to backlash against the art installation. The tortoises each had two iPads affixed to their shells with a silicone epoxy, and more than 18,000 people signed a petition opposing the installation.

Though the tortoises have been removed, the exhibit will remain in Aspen through Oct. 5.

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Information from: The Aspen Times, http://www.aspentimes.com/