Wonder Gardens announces WonderWeen event Oct. 31 is free for Bonita Springs residents

The Wonder Gardens announced that its safe outdoor trick or treat event Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to noon will be free for Bonita Springs residents.

In recognition of the role residents played in saving the 85-year-old attraction and the partnership with the City of Bonita Springs, which owns the land, the nonprofit Wonder Gardens board announced “It’s Your Wonder Gardens” free admission days for Bonita Springs residents.

“The Wonder Gardens would not be here if not for the support of the community,” said David Rahahe:tih Webb, president and CEO of the Wonder Gardens. “We recognize that our community supports us with attendance, membership, business and educational partnerships and charitable support. Many Bonita Springs residents have not visited the Gardens since we have improved and added exhibits, so we are excited to invite them to join the record 80,000 visitors last year and experience their Wonder Gardens.”

In 2014, a group of residents formed the Bonita Wonder Gardens Inc., a nonprofit organization. The City of Bonita Springs recognized the economic, cultural and historic value of this zoological park and attraction and enabled the nonprofit to purchase the three-acre property and assets from the founders, saving it from potential commercial development. The property was later purchased by the City of Bonita Springs, while the nonprofit continues to manage all operations.

During the event, children can explore the lushly landscaped botanical gardens and interact with more than 300 rescued, rehabilitated and non-releasable birds and reptiles while visiting “Gator Sweet Tooth” trick or treat stations throughout the gardens offered by area businesses. In addition, a WonderWeen Scavenger hunt and Tic Tac Toe, a pumpkin toss and an educational boneyard with fossils will be offered.

Costumes are optional but encouraged, and the event is also free to the 1,200 Wonder Gardens members. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

For information, visit wondergardens.org or call 239-992-2591.

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 85-year history, the nonprofit cares for more than 300 resident 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.