The Wonder Gardens will return to extended hours Nov. 15. Hours at the zoological park in Bonita Springs daily will be 10 a.m. to last admission at 4 p.m., with the gardens closing at 5 p.m. The Gardens are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
In addition, Wonder Gardens is offering one free day a month for Bonita Springs residents. The first Sunday of each month is the free day for Bonita Springs residents with proof of residency. Upcoming days include Nov. 7 and Dec. 5.
The “It’s Your Wonder Gardens” free days have been created in recognition of the role residents played in saving the 85-year-old attraction and the partnership with the City of Bonita Springs, which owns the land.
“We recognize that our community supports us with attendance, membership, business and educational partnerships and charitable support,” said David Rahahe:tih Webb, president and CEO of the Wonder Gardens. “Many Bonita Springs residents have not visited the Gardens since we have improved and added exhibits, so we are excited to invite them to join the record 80,000 visitors last year and experience their Wonder Gardens.”
In 2014, a group of residents formed the Bonita Wonder Gardens Inc., a nonprofit organization. The City of Bonita Springs recognized the economic, cultural and historic value of this zoological park and attraction and enabled the nonprofit to purchase the three-acre property and assets from the founders, saving it from potential commercial development. The property was later purchased by the City of Bonita Springs, while the nonprofit continues to manage all operations.
Annual memberships are also available and offer many perks, including free admission every day. For information, visit WonderGardens.org or call 239-992-2591.
About Wonder Gardens
The Wonder Gardens, a charitable zoological park and botanical garden in Bonita Springs, is home to rescued birds and reptiles nestled among sprawling banyan trees and plantings. While preserving the best of this site’s 85-year history, the nonprofit cares for more than 300 resident animals, is upgrading wildlife enclosures and growing the botanical beauty of the property, while delivering education programs and events and further engaging the community to enjoy this jewel in historic Downtown Bonita Springs. The Wonder Gardens at 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs is one of the few remaining cornerstones of Old Florida, an enduring symbol of the history of the region, as well as a resource for learning about the environment and wildlife. For information, visit wondergardens.org or call 239-992-2591.
