Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation Awards $500,000 to the Naples Zoo

Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation Awards $500,000 to the Naples Zoo to Support Renovation of the Former Safari Canyon Theater Stage

The Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation is pleased to announce that it has awarded a $500,000 gift to the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens to support the transformation and return of one of the Zoo’s most beloved attractions, the stage for the iconic Safari Canyon Theater.

The new Wilson Family Stage will become a focal point of the Naples Zoo, hosting thousands of visitors for up to three animal shows per day. Originally built in the 1990s, the entire presentation area at the center of the 43-acre zoo is being reimagined as the Pacter Family Theater, thanks to a generous naming gift from the Pacter Family, combined with the funds from Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation.

“We are delighted to be a part of this exciting community project which has been a cherished experience for generations of Zoo guests,” said George A. Wilson, Trustee of the Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation. “This project will bring the space up to modern standards, ensuring exceptional care for the Zoo’s ambassador animals and creating a dynamic, engaging environment for conservation education.”

The newly renovated Pacter Family Theater and the Wilson Family Stage are currently under construction and are anticipated to open in early 2026. The new education venue will feature upgraded animal habitats, improved educational technology, and an accessible, state-of-the-art environment designed to deepen connections between zoo guests and wildlife.

“The Wilson family’s support alongside the Pacter Family’s leadership gift is helping us bring this treasured community space into the future,” said Jack Mulvena, President and Chief Executive Officer for the Naples Zoo. “Together, their generosity ensures that this vital part of the Zoo experience will continue to inspire future generations of wildlife stewards.”

Jack Mulvena

Accredited as both a zoo and botanical garden, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is an award-winning nonprofit organization reaching more than 428,000 guests a year with its conservation and education mission. The Zoo’s paved path winds nearly a mile past rare and beautiful animals residing within a historic tropical garden of exotic plants first planted in 1919 with a fascinating history.

Unlike the vast majority of zoos and non-profit organizations nationwide, Naples Zoo’s operating budget is fully funded from earned revenues. Therefore, 100 percent of charitable gifts, contributions and pledges, are dedicated to capital improvements and making the Zoo an even better experience and an even greater resource for our community for generations to come.

About the Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation: Founded in 2023, the Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation is a private family foundation that primarily funds charitable activities through grants. Over the years, it has supported local nonprofits benefitting children, the environment, cancer research and women’s initiatives. It also is involved in the community through support of local events and initiatives.