Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs experienced a 114% surge in October visitors. This happened after the zoo opened its new Otter Grotto exhibit. Two otters named Mae and Ivy arrived from Ohio. The nonprofit zoo and botanical garden welcomed 4,503 guests last October, compared to 2,100 during the same month in 2024.
“It really came out fantastic,” said Neil Anderson, president and CEO of the attraction, according to Gulf Shore Business. “We couldn’t ask for a better pair of otters.”
The zoo opened its doors in 1936. Now it enters its 90th season. This Old U.S. 41 roadside attraction draws 70,000 to 80,000 visitors each year. Anderson said the zoo has bounced back from Hurricane Ian in 2022…