Everglades Wonder Gardens

27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135, USA

Address:	27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135, USA
Phone:	+1 239-992-2591
Site:	evergladeswondergardens.com
Rating:	4.1
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 13

Ryan Brady

On behalf of the new family that took this place over, this park closed down around May of 2013 and we reopened it shortly after. We have made and still are making many positive improvements to the Wonder Gardens. We are putting more of the focus on the Botanical Gardens versus just a Zoo. We put in a lot of effort in cleaning this park up and eliminating much of the smell and chain-link fencing that obscured the view from some of the amazing and beautiful plant life thats been growing on site for 75+ years. That being said, we are a Botanical Gardens with some animals. So we still have alligators (40) in the alligator pit with the iconic swinging bridge, we have Pink Flamingos, turtles/tortoises, 4.5 ft. iguana, chickens, ibiss, ducks, etc. We are hoping to be adding a few more birds and possibly reptiles in some of the enclosures, but we no longer have any mammals in this park. As a Botanical Gardens, some new things weve put in is a large walk through Butterfly Garden, a Bromeliad Garden, a beautiful Asian-themed Event Lawn that were hosting local events on (see our Facebook Page for events), a new trail around the flamingos, and many more projects we are currently working on (Koi Pond, Salt Water Pond, Water Garden, a Garden Center, Orchid House / Orchid trail). Inside the main building, we have built a gallery with fine art photography featuring the "Everglades Gallery" that you can enjoy. If youre looking for a zoo, this is not the place for you. If you are a nature lover and are looking for a good, peaceful park for you or your family to enjoy Florida Natures true colors, then this is the place you should visit.

Amanda Snyder

3 years ago I gave this place five stars no longer does it deserve 5-stars. Its kind of sad, it was supposed to close down a long time ago and someone ended up buying it to turn it into their art gallery. Their Gallery is amazing lots of beautiful pictures but they got rid of all their mammals. Half of the enclosures are empty. They say that they put a Botanical Garden in it but its kind of a sad looking Garden. I almost signed my kid up for the summer camp here but Im glad that I walked through this before I did. Its not a bad place to go but its definitely not what it used to be. They used to have large cats, a bear, deer, fish of all sorts and my favorite the sea otters. They even got rid of the drawbridge that hungover an enclosure filled with alligators. This place is not changed for the better and I doubt well ever be back.

A Private User

This is an "old time" type private zoo. Nothing fancy. You wont find animals in their natural habitat like a modern zoo. It is a bit cramped and does smell a bit. But what made this enjoyable was that there was a guide who gave a bit of info at each exhibit. The guide is continuously giving the tour so once you arrive an employee walks you out to where the guide is and you just continue the tour until you come back to where you joined up. No reservation needed. At one point you can pet a baby alligator which the kids really enjoyed. Not bad and the price was moderate. With a coupon I paid $66 for three adults and three kids. This is not "high brow" entertainment. If you want that, go to a big city zoo. But to get out of the Fort Myers sun for an afternoon this was great.

Kathleen Hanan

This is around the corner where I used to live... I love the Old Florida feel, with the old get your attention hwy signs driving up to it... then the Giant Billboard and the old florida cracker style front. Unfortunately it was closed when I lived there and was happy to hear it was SAVED from being sold off and lost... I was so happy to hear that people have stepped in to update and run the place, because it is an old part of Florida Roadside Tourist Americana we should preserve... Cant wait to visit tomorrow with my young nephew who Im sure will get a kick out of seeing animals and taking a step back in time... happy to support a piece of Florida History.

Paula Hill-Emery

We had a wonderful morning here at the Everglades Wonder Gardens. The flamingos entertained us for 20 min. with their obvious personalities. Be sure to stop long enough at the bird cage and have a quick conversation and watch him show off as you have a visit with him. Check into the opportunity and schedule to go fishing for alligators with a cane pole, definitely fun for young or old. Enjoy this bit of "Old Florida", the setting is beautiful and peaceful.

A Private User

Gators, bobcats, and bears Oh my! We had a very knowledgeable tour guide and multitudes of photo opportunities. I think it is important to note that it is also a sanctuary and gets no funding for what they do for the animals. They spoke about injured animals being nursed back to health in hope of returning to them to the wild. Of course, not all can be returned to the wild. The animals seem well fed and cared for. Kids LOVE it!!!

Gianna Harts

My family and scouting group love visiting the Wonder Gardens. John and his staff are very welcoming and knowledgeable about the plant and animal life they have. This is a great place to relax and unwind amidst beautiful plant life. The kids enjoy the butterfly garden area and crossing the bridge over the alligators. I would definitely recommend making it a regular stop as things are updated all the time.

Justin Scott

I was here 20 years ago and just now. Theres definitely been some changes but the exhibits are still fantastic. Many alligators and reptiles to see. The birds love people and love interacting with them as you pass by. There were a couple of exhibits that were being reworked but other than that, great experience.

Paula Cholewa

The place is partly under construction. I tried visiting last year and was turned off but its under new management and they are turning things around. The animals are well cared for, they are ALL rescued animals that would otherwise not survive in the wild. They are interactive and seem happy.

Katelyn Cates

Went to spend about an hour here hoping to see some cool stuff. And while it was somewhat enjoyable paying $12 for the entrance fee as an adult is not worth it. Half of the cages are empty and it looks a little run down. If you have money to spend go ahead buy otherwise I wouldnt suggest it

Joshua Delorme

Was quite the experience in which we had a tour guide for part of the tour and Santa Claus. Very informative to the tourists and nice scenery. Needs a little work, but other than that it was perfect. Would recommend Everglades Wonder Garden to anyone that loves to learn about wildlife

Cindy Beall

I like coming to Everglades Wonder Garden because it is small. The river otters put on the best shows in town. You can get really close to the turtles and the alligators. Its a very mellow Southwest Florida experience. Check it out.

Todd Sparks

Good for the kids but could be better. Most of the staff was unethusiastic, the grounds and displays need some love but they do have some stuff worth checking out if you need to burn an hour and see captive alligators and birds.