4.2K views · 79 reactions | Today is Florida’s own Gopher Tortoise Day! #DYK this keystone species prefers munching on flowers like the beautiful hibiscus? Our horticulture team grows a variety of plants in-house for our animals to eat! Tune in to Stories to learn more fascinating facts about this vital reptile of Florida’s ecosystem. | The Florida Aquarium | Facebook

Our gopher tortoise enjoys a daily walk, especially when he comes across a good patch of clover like this. After a while, he took a break from the clover buffet to relax in a warm, sunny spot! Reptiles need sunlight to produce vitamin D3 so they can properly absorb calcium. Video Credit: Sarah Buffington | Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

Happy Gopher Tortoise Day! Let’s get to know our Gopher Tortoise, Digger! Gopher tortoises have flattened feet and powerful claws to dig deep burrows that provide safety from predators and harsh weather. Many animals seek out safety, nesting, or shelter in burrows created by gopher tortoises; over 350 species have been documented to do so. Digger came to the River Museum after he was previously a pet for 35 years. Gopher tortoises have been known to live to 60 years of age in the wild, though ma