Wonder Gardens names new CEO to lead centennial campaign

Sally Mulvena must say farewell to the Red River Zoo’s Sichuan Takin, an elegant, horned animal said to be the model for the prince in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.  

But she’ll have flamingoes, much to her delight, as the new president and CEO of Wonder Gardens, the tropical zoological park and botanical gardens in Bonita Springs. Mulvena will assume the office July 1, selected after a national search by the Wonder Gardens board of directors.  

Mulvena, who served as president and CEO of the Fargo, North Dakota-based Red River Zoo for 10 years, also will have another benefit: She’ll finally be in the same household as her husband. Jack Mulvena has been CEO and president of the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens since 2013, and the two have had to live with a long-distance marriage for the last three years.  

There have been some advantages to that for her new position: “I come down quite often, so I feel like I know it [Southwest Florida] pretty well. I want to explore Bonita a bit more. Both cities have some wonderful things to learn about,” Mulvena said. 

What has impressed her already is Wonder Gardens’ ties with its community, beginning with the public-private partnership it has forged with the City of Bonita Springs. On a more physical level, the fact that its compact, 3.5-acre campus is so close to downtown allows people to visit and then sample the stores and cafes close by.  

“There’s something extraordinarily special about small zoos because you get to see that impact that you’re having with the community members right there yourself. A lot of times when people are talking about places like the water gardens, they’re asking about numbers and finances — and, of course, those are all so important, but it’s these intangible pieces that will just bring tears to your eyes or joy to your heart when you see a child [here],”  she said.  

“Families are somewhat disconnected nowadays with people who are on their cell phones, and this is a place where all that goes to the side, and they’re just people in their community. That’s what really, I think, drives it.” 

Board of Directors Chair Wendy Arsenault pointed out that Wonder Garden has nurtured that through a staff and volunteers “that are so engaging … We have a very dedicated volunteer group that works with the animals and horticulture. We couldn't do it without them.” 

That is part of why the board chose Mulvena, Arsenault said in her statement for the announcement of Mulvena’s selection: “Her ability to connect with both staff and the community stood out throughout the search process, and we are confident she is the right person to lead us into the future.” 

Mulvena, who has a master’s degree in anthropology from Minnesota State University Moorhead, will pick up the work started by Neil Anderson, who retired in March but had structured a 100th anniversary revitalization for Wonder Gardens. Some of the upgrades and additions have already been made, such as its otter grotto and baby gator vivarium. A new chickee hut opened in January, allowing school field trips to enjoy classes with the zookeepers in a shaded area.  

An animal care center, which would allow its resident population to recuperate or to be quarantined right at the garden, is the biggest expenditure mapped in its continuing capital campaign. The second major piece is a $1.3 million event center. It would let the organization say, “I do” to the people planning their weddings in its lush tropical gardens who want to know if they have a reception location onsite. It also would be used for conferences and educational space.  

The gardens is hoping to have the master plan completed by for the 100th anniversary celebration in 2036.   

More information is on its website: wondergardens.org 

Wandering through Wonder  

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with last entry at 3 p.m.  

Where: Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs  

Admission: $17; $15, seniors; $12, ages 3 to 12. Active and retired military personnel, first responders and teachers receive a $2 discount on all admission prices with proof of service. For Mother’s Day, moms get free admission with the purchase of one paid admission.   

Good to know:  Wonder Gardens offers a membership which includes reciprocal agreements with the Association of Nature Center Administrators and the American Horticultural Society. A Wonder Gardens membership offers free or reduced admission to more than 200 participating nature centers and more than 300 participating botanical gardens nationwide.