Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo
The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo is a facility located in Flatts Village, at the geographical centre of Bermuda. The zoo was established in 1926 by the Bermuda government to enhance a growing tourism industry and "to inspire appreciation and care of island environments." The facility focuses on showing oceanic island species and in conservation, education, and research related to these species, and contains an aquarium, a natural history museum, and a zoo.[1][2]
Support for the institution comes mainly from the Bermuda Zoological Society and the Atlantic Conservation Partnership, both of which are supported primarily by donations and memberships.
The zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1993,[1] and participates in four Species Survival Plans as of 2009.
History
From its opening in 1926 until 1978, the zoo was supported solely by the Bermuda government. In 1978, the Bermuda Zoological Society was formed with the specific goal of supporting the zoo. As of 2009, the Society has a membership including 15% of the island's residents, as well as corporate sponsors. The Bermuda government provides support for the operational needs of the zoo, while the Society supports ongoing development and the educational and research programmes, and organizes special events and exhibits.[1]
In 1991 and 1992, a major capital campaign raised $3 million for the construction of the North Rock Exhibit, the Australasia Exhibit, and the Caribbean Exhibit. The Bermuda government matched this funding to create new seawater reservoirs, infrastructure, and a new Education/Administration building.
In 1997 and 1998 the Society raised enough money to endow a full-time Education Officer.
Exhibits and other facilities
The Aquarium is just inside the main entrance building, and contains over 200 species of fish and invertebrates in many naturalistic displays. The largest display is the 140,000 gallon North Rock Exhibit, which is a living replica of North Rock. The real North Rock is part of the Rim Reef system, the northernmost chain of coral reefs in the world.
The Natural History Museum traces the geological formation and ecological development of the island, highlighting the island's role in the migration of many species of birds and marine animals.
Harbour seals and green sea turtles are housed in outdoor exhibits to the right and left of the main entrance.
The South American Aviary is one of the oldest exhibits in the facility. Visitors can walk through the aviary to see many exotic bird species native to the tropics.
The Caribbean Pink Flamingos exhibit shows flamingos in a natural outdoor lake setting.
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The Islands of the Caribbean exhibit showcases animals from the Caribbean islands, and is a large flight cage in which the animals are allowed to roam free. Visitors are confined to a path, but will get to see the animals close up and in their natural habitat.
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The Islands of Australasia exhibit is a large indoor exhibit that showcases animals from Australia and Asia.
The Friends of Madagascar exhibit displays animals from Madagascar, most of which can be found only in Madagascar because they developed in isolation on one of the largest islands in the world.
The Local Tails exhibit showcases animals that are native to Bermuda, or have been introduced into the island. It includes a 95-gallon tabletop tank where visitors can touch the animals.
Conservation
The facility participates in four Species Survival Plans as of 2009: golden lion tamarin, Matschie's tree kangaroo, Oriental small-clawed otter, ring-tailed lemur. In addition, it is in the population management program for a number of other species: Galapagos tortoise, Haitian slider, harbour seal, Parma wallaby, Prevost's squirrel, red-necked wallaby, roseate spoonbill, scarlet ibis.
Location
- Location map: 32°19’24"N, 64°44’14"W
References
Outside links
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