The Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation recently gifted $500,000 to the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens to help set the stage for the return of a popular attraction.
The Safari Canyon Theater will be capable of hosting thousands of visitors per day, and zoo officials say the new Wilson Family Stage will be a focal point for the center.
“We are delighted to be a part of this exciting community project which has been a cherished experience for generations of Zoo guests,” said George Wilson, trustee of the Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation. “This project will bring the space up to modern standards, ensuring exceptional care for the Zoo’s ambassador animals and creating a dynamic, engaging environment for conservation education.”
Originally built in the 1990s, the presentation area is being rebuilt as the Pacter Family Theater, thanks to a generous naming gift from the Pacter Family, combined with the funds from Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation.
The project is currently under construction and is expected to open to the public early in 2026.
The updated venue will feature spruced-up animal spaces, additional educational technology, and an environment aimed at deepening the connection between guests and wildlife.
“The Wilson family’s support alongside the Pacter Family’s leadership gift is helping us bring this treasured community space into the future,” said Jack Mulvena, president and chief executive officer for the Naples Zoo. “Together, their generosity ensures that this vital part of the Zoo experience will continue to inspire future generations of wildlife stewards.”
The Naples Zoo is accredited both as a zoo and a botanical garden.
The nonprofit hosts more than 428,000 guests each year and has a historic tropical garden that was first planted in 1919.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Main stage at Naples Zoo getting $500K makeover thanks to foundation
Reporting by Chad Gillis, Fort Myers News-Press / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
