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

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