Everglades Wonder Gardens Re-Opens
For over 75 years, Everglades Wonder Gardens has been a landmark in downtown Bonita Springs. The iconic attraction shut its doors on April 21st, after its owner David Piper was diagnosed with a spinal tumor. More than 70 animals, including alligators & crocodiles, snakes, turtles, deer, and a bobcat were purchased by Gatorland in Orlando.
Piper was glad that the animals are being taken care of by Gatorland. “They’re all about educating the public about Florida wildlife and seeing it up close,” he said.
Everglades Wonder Gardens Re-Opens
Naples photographer John Brady is now leasing the 3 and ½ acres property, and has refurbished the site as a botanical garden. “We had this beautiful jungle, and nobody could see it,” said Brady. “The trees were already here. We’re really drawing that out and accentuating them.” Trees in the Wonder Gardens include cypress, monkey puzzle, shaving brush, Cuban laurel, akee, and kapok trees. Brady has added ferns and other plants and created a new nature trail. Many of the fences have been removed, allowing patrons to walk right past the flamingo pond.
The attraction will still feature many animals such as turtles & tortoises, birds, and about 40 small alligators in a newly renovated pool over the swinging bridge, where patrons can toss food pellets down to the animals below–but there will be no mammals. The former mountain-lion enclosure is being re-purposed as a butterfly garden, and the panther enclosure will house bromeliads and orchids.
Other draws to the site include an event lawn and a museum area for workshops and groups. The Everglades Wonder Gardens will be able to host weddings, corporate functions, parties, and outdoor movies during season.
The Wonder Gardens will also feature a gift shop and art gallery featuring Brady’s photography and work from other local artists. The gallery will be free to the public, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission to the Wonder Gardens will be $15 dollars for adults.
Brady says he wants the new Everglades Wonder Gardens to feel “more like a park than a tourist destination. We’d like people to come and relax and enjoy themselves.”
