It’s been closed since Hurricane Ian hit last summer. However, today the  Wonder Gardens Welcome Center reopens in Bonita Springs. The gardens have been open to the public for a couple of  months. However, the entrance was improvised until the welcome center was repaired. A tree fell on the corner of the building damaging the roof and interior. Besides serving as the gateway to the gardens and animal experiences, the Wonder Shoppe is full of animal and plant-themed toys and gifts, many of which support local businesses and artists. They also promote conservation and education.

Bonita Springs Wonder Gardens

This “Old Florida”  attraction off of Old 41 has been welcoming tourists since the 1960’s as Everglades Wonder Gardens. Over the years the mission has changed and today it’s a non-profit, home to native flora, fauna, and more than 300 animals. For decades, the flock of American Flamingos has been the main attraction. However, that flock is now down to two bird. Both were hatched on Wonder Gardens property during the 1960’s/ 1970’s. Their pink color is starting to fade as they age but they are still graceful and fascinating to watch in their lagoon.

Wonder Gardens activities

You can feed the animals during special, daily encounters. Staffers lead visitors into turtle pins, lorikeet aviaries and along the the alligator pit. They provide food, and instructions and let you do the work. The lorikeets are the most interactive, perching on your shoulders, arms and even head.

Check out this video of the alligators. Some are about to outgrow the pond and will be relocated soon.

It’s a great place to take visitors and fun to explore with kids. Bonita Springs residents enjoy free admission on the first Sunday of the month. The Wonder Gardens Welcome Center reopens in Bonita Springs today. Visitors do not need to be paid Wonder Gardens guests to shop the unique items found here.

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  The Wonder Gardens are home to these senior flamingos. They are starting to lose their color but they are still so cool to watch,

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  Feeding the rainbow lorikeets is a fun interactive expense at Wonder Gardens.

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  Feeding Spurred tortoises is also on the list of animal encounters at Wonder Gardens. You can also touch them during this experience.
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  The Wonder Gardens have lots of birds in several areas. These are found at the entrance and they are a popular stop.

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  This Catalina Macaw loves to spread his wings and show off for visitors of the Wonder Gardens.

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  Long time residents of the Wonder Gardens, Rudy and Murphy. The birds are colorful and sometimes, loud
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  The alligators draw a big crowd at the Wonder Gardens. You can feed them if you sign up for an animal encounter.

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  KC, an umbrella cockatoo, is one of the more popular animals at the Wonder Gardens

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  This beautiful golden pheasant is appropriately named Fabio. Find Fabio at the Wonder Gardens
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  The Wonder Gardens are full of tropical paths leading to animal displays, and more. Peaceful and beautiful.

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