The Wonder Gardens is offering enhanced guest experiences for the summer. Guests wishing to get up close and personal with some of the attractions can schedule a Wild Wonders Animal Encounter. Habitat Chats planned on Thursdays also offer new and additional experiences.

Wild Wonders Animal Encounters will allow guests to feed Sulcata tortoises, Rainbow Lorikeets and American alligators. The Animal Care and Education staff will lead guests on an adventure that lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to at least an hour. Encounters are offered at the discounted off-season rates of $20 per person for Wonder Gardens members and $25 per person for nonmembers, plus park admission. Guests may visit Wondergardens.org to view availability and book an encounter for 11:30 am on select days.

In addition, Wonder Gardens has added Habitat Chats at 1 p.m. on Thursdays. Habitat Chats are a new and interactive way guests can learn about the animals at the Gardens. Currently, the experience combines an alligator feeding demonstration with information about diet, conservation and fun facts. The Chats are offered for all Wonder Gardens visitors without additional cost. Topics and demonstrations are subject to change.

“We are always looking for ways to enhance the customer experience, while continuing our mission to educate,” said Neil Anderson, executive director. “We received feedback from guests that they would like more in-depth encounters, so we combined our lorikeet, tortoise and alligator experiences.”

Guests for the encounters must be age 5 and up. Closed-toed shoes are required. All encounters must have a minimum of two participants and a maximum of six. For parties of less than six, other paid participants may be added to the group.

Larger groups of 10 or more people may schedule a guided tour at 10 a.m. followed by an Animal Meet and Greet experience by emailing education@wondergardens.org with the group size and date preferences. For information, visit wondergardens.org/product/wild-wonders/ or call 239-992-2591.

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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. While preserving the best of this site’s 86-year history, the nonprofit cares for rescued, rehabilitated, and non-releasable animals, is upgrading wildlife enclosures and growing the botanical beauty of the property, while delivering education programs and events and further engaging the community to enjoy this jewel in historic Downtown Bonita Springs. The Wonder Gardens at 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs is one of the few remaining cornerstones of Old Florida, an enduring symbol of the history of the region, as well as a resource for learning about the environment and wildlife. For information, visit wondergardens.org or call 239-992-2591.

 

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Kathy Becker, Priority Marketing, kathyb@prioritymarketing.com, 239-267-2638 or 239-470-2681 (cell)