Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs reopens Thursday

NAPLES, Fla. - Oct. 18, 2022 - PRLog -- Nearly a month after Hurricane Ian devastated the landscaping and buildings at 86-year-old Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs prompting a massive volunteer cleanup and fundraising effort, the gardens will reopen to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. The Wonder Gardens will continue to be open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until at least Nov. 1, when regular hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. may resume.

"Thanks to the generous help of our community and volunteers, we are able to welcome visitors back and continue to educate people on the rescued and non-releasable animal residents we care for at Wonder Gardens," said Sarah Williamson, retail and communications manager for Wonder Gardens. "We have also received numerous physical and monetary donations to help rebuild and renew our park as well as replace items lost during the hurricane. We are so thankful for the support of the Southwest Florida community and beyond."

In 10 organized workdays after the storm, 177 volunteers put in more than 800 hours clearing debris and trash, moving furniture and gift shop merchandise, cleaning and repairing. Their efforts resulted in the equivalent of $24,509 in donated time (calculated at 2022 national volunteer hourly rate of $29.95). Of the volunteers, 142 were new and averaged about 3.55 hours per person, 21 were from Florida Gulf Coast University and 14 were regular Wonder Gardens volunteers.

While the gardens have been deemed safe for visitors, the welcome center, gift shop, administrative offices and animal care kitchen remain non-operational due to water and wind damage. One of the large historic signs that was recently repainted and refreshed was blown down. The Animal Care Kitchen and refrigerators were lost, so the public donated animal food and supplies.

A fund established for rebuilding and repairs raised $10,000, which was matched by the Billy the Bee Foundation. Funds continue to be raised for another $5,000 matching challenge made by donors Judith & James MacGregor. For information about fundraising needs or to donate, visit wondergardens.org/hurricane-ian/.

Brews for the Birds, has been rescheduled to Dec. 9. WonderWeen, the second annual safe and fun outdoor Halloween event, will be held as planned Oct. 30 from noon to 2 p.m. Local businesses will pass out candy, along with children's games and prizes. Members and Bonita Springs Residents receive free admission. All other visitors pay regular admission. For information: wondergardens.org/wonderween-2022. (https://wondergardens.org/wonderween-2022/)

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. The Wonder Gardens is located at 27180 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs  For information, visit wondergardens.org or call 239-992-2591.