City relocates gopher tortoise to Sanibel historical village
The city of Sanibel’s Natural Resource Department recently conducted a gopher tortoise relocation from the City Hall grounds to the preserve at the back of the Sanibel Historical Village and Museum.
The female tortoise had dug a burrow in the right-of-way by the City Hall exit and was undermining the roadway. In the interest of the tortoise’s safety and to preserve the integrity of the road, the city obtained a permit from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission to relocate the tortoise.
“We are required by the permit to relocate the tortoise on-site, and the gopher tortoise preserve at the historical village is the best and safest option,” Natural Resources Director Holly Milbrandt said.
The Gopher Tortoise Council has adopted April 10 as Gopher Tortoise Day. In Florida, gopher tortoises are found in parts of all 67 counties and are frequently encountered in neighborhoods, along roadways, and in many public parks and forests.
“Working collaboratively with the city was a wonderful synergy,” Sanibel Historical Village and Museum Executive Director Emilie Alfino said. “The tortoise has settled right into our historical village, just in time to celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day.”
The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is at 950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.