Bonita Springs’ most historic attraction is getting ready to “Renew the Wonder” with a recently unveiled master plan of renovations. The plans include enhancing many current exhibits and adding some exicting new ones to the mix.

The History Behind The Wonder Gardens

The Wonder Gardens has had to overcome its share of hurdles, but its future is bright. It has remained a beloved attraction in Bonita Springs since it opened in 1936. The garden pays an ode to Old Florida by providing a sanctuary for a variety of plants and animals.

In July of 2015 the City of Bonita Springs recognized the economic, cultural and historic value of this zoological and botanical attraction, and made a loan, enabling the nonprofit to purchase the 3-acre property and assets from the Piper family, saving it from potential commercial development.

Unfortunately, after making some progress towards a new era, the garden was devastated by both Hurricane Irma and Ian.

 

 

 

 

Last year, The Wonder Gardens and the City of Bonita Springs teamed up to bring some new life into Southwest Florida’s oldest roadside attraction. They settled upon an operating agreement that states that the nonprofit will pay the city $50,000 a year for the next 10 years and will make at least $3 million in capital improvements. The comprehensive agreement will allow the Wonder Gardens to move forward with a master plan to renovate current exhibits and add some exciting ones.

As stated on the Wonder Gardens Website:

Now, The Wonder Gardens’ staff, Board leadership, and the City of Bonita Springs have unveiled a bold new vision to guide the organization over the next three years. With a clear, sustainable direction for the future, the master plan brings their vision to life, outlining a “roadmap” for continued growth and improvement.

How The Wonder Gardens Plans to Renew The Wonder

The Wonder Gardens recently unveiled their updated site plans in a city council meeting. The plans include a new animal care center, otter exhibit, a treehouse/canopy experience, a nature-based playground, a larger climate-conrolled event space and so much more!

Tortoises Around the World

The tortoises of the Wonder Gardens are getting some new digs- and some new neighbors! Plans for the “Tortoises Around the World” exhibit include painting the back of the Wonder Gardens riverfront billboard with a mural, adding an outpost to keep the tortoises safe in case of a storm and adding some new tortoises to the mix.

Alligator Hole Exhibit

Though updating the alligator exhibit was not a top priority, recent interest from a donor may speed this project along. This new viewing deck would give guests an unobstructed & underwater view of the gator residents.

Children’s Discovery Area

The old barn in the Northern part of the Gardens will soon be removed to make way for a new children’s discovery center. This area will include a hands-on play area and an amphitheater for educational demonstrations. Some preliminary ideas include a dino-dig area and mining activities.

Otter Grotto

The Otter Grotto exhibit is currently under construction and the Wonder Gardens staff plans to have it up and running this Spring. Our adorable new otter-neighbors are impatiently waiting out the winter in Ohio until their exhibit is complete.

If you would like to help welcome Ivy & Mae to the Wonder Gardens, check out their wish list below!

Animal Care Center

This project has been submitted for state appropriations and is awaiting approval. This Animal Care Center would not only safeguard the well-being of animals but also earn accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. It would provide additional shelter for animals in case of storms as well.

 

Climate Controlled Event Building

The Wonder Gardens has a beautiful Tea House that is used for events. (We actually had our baby shower there!) The Wonder Gardens previously hosted events at its barn, which is getting old and will soon be removed.  This larger, climate-controlled building will make a great space for public and private events!

 

Elevated Walking Path & Tree House

This elevated walking path and treehouse will give visitors a “bird’s-eye view” of the gardens!

New Flamingo Night House and Expanded Orchid Garden

The mascots of the Wonder Gardens, the flamingoes, are in need of a new night house. Every night, they are walked into a separate enclosure to protect them from night predators.  They are currently staying in the former large cat exhibit, which will be replaced by a new night house (the blue building above) and a new orchid pavilion. The expanded orchid pavilion is expected to become another event space that can be rented privately! A donor has stepped up to the plate for this project and construction should begin this year.

 

How you can help “Renew the Wonder”

The Wonder Gardens is a non-profit that relies solely on limited state funding and donations. For years, the gardens have overcome hurdle after hurdle, always fighting to keep this beloved attraction up and running. Their recent collaboration with the City of Bonita Springs and new rockstar board & staff were exactly what was needed to get these plans off the ground. Now, they need the funds!

Here is how you can help:

1. Visit the Wonder Gardens

2. Make A Donation

3. Attend an Upcoming Event

   • March 22nd Spring Fling
   • April 12th Earth Day Celebration

 

The otter exhibit is currently under construction and more projects will be starting soon! To stay up to date on this exciting project and others across SWFL, like the Imperial 41 development that will soon break ground across the street, subscribe to our newsletter!