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

2.5K views · 286 reactions | 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 | Facebook

4.2K views · 150 reactions | Join us for a Day in the Life of a Gopher Tortoise for Florida Gopher Tortoise Day! Gopher tortoises are a keystone species whose burrows provide important habitats for over 350 commensal species like indigo snakes, burrowing owls, etc. This is why protecting gopher tortoises & their habitat is so essential. | Defenders of Wildlife | Facebook