The Calusa Herpetological Society Of Southwest Florida

Thursday, January 8, 2026 - 7:00 pm 

Speaker Information: Our speaker for this month is Emily Cooper. The title of her talk is “Red-footed Tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonarius)”. This presentation explores the red-footed tortoise, a tropical tortoise species native to Central and South America, focusing on its natural habitat, physical characteristics, lifespan, subspecies, diet, behavior, and care requirements. She’ll explain how these tortoises thrive in warm, humid environments, have a unique omnivorous diet, and can live for several decades, making them a long-term commitment as pets. The presentation also discusses proper housing, lighting, nutrition, and health care needed to keep red-footed tortoises healthy in captivity, along with common health concerns and preventative care. In addition, the presentation highlights their behavior, breeding habits, conservation status, and why they are such a unique and fascinating species!

  Emily Cooper was born and raised here in Fort Myers Florida. She is currently enrolled in the Occupational therapy program at Keiser University. Along with school most of her time is well spent taking care of her own reptiles at home and herping around her own backyard along with nature preserves. She has always had a fascination with all animals but her love for specifically reptiles has only grown stronger within the last 3 years. In 2023, her obsession for reptiles started out with her beloved pet Cherry Head Red Footed Tortoise named Doris. Since then she has kept many more red footed tortoises and a bearded dragon. She has also created her own YouTube channel called EmilyLovesReptiles to make videos about her reptiles and how she cares for them. Emily has been a loyal member of the Calusa Herpetological society for only 2 years now and hopes to stay a part of this wonderful group for many more years to come. We will meet in the Calusa Nature center at 7:00 p.m.

  After the meeting, you are invited to join us at a nearby restaurant (announced at the meeting) for more herp discussions and camaraderie over food and drinks. See you there! $5.00 for non-members per meeting or buy a year membership ($25 individual) or ($30 family/business) . The address of the Calusa Nature Center is 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905.

WHO'S INVITED? You are! Anyone with an interest in any aspect of herpetology or herpetoculture is welcome to attend, learn, and exchange their experiences with our friendly membership. Come out to meet others who keep, breed or study reptiles and amphibians, and let them share their fascination with you. We average 10 - 20 people attending every meeting.