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90 Years of Wonder:

A Community Comes Together

or one unforgettable weekend, the Wonder Gardens did The celebration continued Sunday with Family Fun Day, a
more than mark a milestone— it reminded Southwest vibrant, all-ages gathering designed to spark wonder in the next
F Florida why this beloved landmark has endured for nine generation. Families explored hands-on activities, enjoyed live
decades, while hundreds of Florida’s historic attractions have entertainment, met animal ambassadors, and connected with
faded, and why its future matters now more than ever. The 90 local vendors and partners throughout the gardens. Children
th
anniversary celebration brought together generations of supporters, laughed, learned, and asked questions — a living illustration of
families, civic leaders, and first-time visitors. the Wonder Gardens’ mission in action.
th
Founded in 1936, the Wonder Gardens has long been a place The success of the 90 anniversary also underscored the
where Old Florida charm meets hands-on wildlife education. This strength of the partnerships that make the Wonder Gardens
anniversary weekend honored that legacy while casting a clear possible. From generous sponsors and in-kind supporters to
vision forward. Across two thoughtfully designed events — the restaurant partners, entertainers, media outlets, and volunteers,
elegant Night of Wonder and the joyful Family Fun Day — guests the event showcased what can happen when a community
experienced the sanctuary not only as it has been, but as it is rallies around a shared legacy. Their collective support helped
becoming. The Wonder Gardens. While preserving the very best advance the organization’s broader Renew the Wonder
of The Wonder Gardens, the charitable organization cares for vision — a comprehensive master plan focused on habitat
its resident animals, upgrading wildlife enclosures, growing the improvements, expanded educational programming, and long-
botanical beauty of the property, adding education programs and term sustainability.
events, and further engaging the community to enjoy this jewel in As the Wonder Gardens looks beyond its 90th year, the
historic Downtown Bonita Springs. momentum from this celebration carries forward. The funds
The Wonder Gardens’ staff, Board leadership, and the City raised and relationships strengthened during the weekend will
of Bonita Springs have unveiled a bold new vision to guide the directly support the care of animals, preservation of the historic
organization over the next three years. With a clear, sustainable grounds, and delivery of educational experiences that inspire
direction for the future, the master plan brings their vision to life, curiosity and compassion.
outlining a “roadmap” for continued growth and improvement. This Ninety years in, the Wonder Gardens is not simply
public/private partnership gives the organization the stability and celebrating its history. Ever mindful of our role in the
flexibility needed to address changing needs and circumstances. community and our place in the story of Southwest Florida,
This is important because aging facilities and infrastructure the Wonder Gardens seeks to honor that legacy while building
combined with a desire to become an accredited zoo and maintain a thriving and impactful future. Over the next 10 years, The
high standards of animal care and welfare, horticultural quality, Wonder Gardens will be continually revitalized and enhanced,
education, and guest experiences have made it clear that physical preserving its historic charm while embracing modern
improvements are needed. innovations to provide an enriching experience for visitors and
Saturday evening’s Night of Wonder transformed the gardens ensuring the wellbeing of its resident animals. This will require
into an immersive after-hours experience, inviting guests to stroll generous charitable investments from throughout Southwest
illuminated pathways surrounded by rescued wildlife, live music, Florida. These gifts will be cultivated and solicited through the
and culinary tastings from some of the region’s most popular local “Renewing the Wonder” Capital Campaign. It is renewing its
restaurants. From intimate animal encounters to a lively mystery mission, welcoming new generations, and ensuring that the sense
auction and wine pull, the evening balanced sophistication with of wonder it has inspired since 1936 will continue for decades to
the sense of curiosity and discovery that has defined the Wonder come.
Gardens for generations.

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