Gopher tortoise grazing! 🐢 An important task as a wildlife volunteer at our hospital is grazing the injured, sick and/or orphaned gopher tortoises. We walk each tortoise 2x a day to keep them acclimated to the wild and enjoy some much needed outside time. Sign up to become a volunteer using our website at conservancy.org. | Conservancy of Southwest Florida

In the heart of the Everglades, these slow-moving gopher tortoises dig burrows that offer vital shelter to over 300 species, protecting them from the extreme temperatures of the region. | National Geographic Animals

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