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Bermuda Zoological Society

Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo

Open Hours – 9am – 4:30pm (Last entry at 4pm)

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About BZS and BAMZ

A Partnership That Works

The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ) and Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) share a unique partnership dedicated to inspiring appreciation and care for Bermuda’s natural environments. Through this long-standing public–private collaboration, government and community support come together to deliver exceptional animal care, education, conservation, research, and community engagement programmes that benefit all of Bermuda.

About BZS

The Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) is a registered charity dedicated to supporting the work of the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ) through education, conservation, animal care, and community engagement. Since its founding in 1978, BZS has worked to inspire appreciation and care for Bermuda’s unique island environments by connecting people with the natural world through meaningful experiences, programmes, and partnerships. Through fundraising, advocacy, and volunteer support, BZS helps ensure that BAMZ can continue to provide exceptional care for animals while advancing conservation and environmental education initiatives across Bermuda.

 Working together through a unique public–private partnership, BZS and BAMZ combine community and government support to deliver impactful programmes that benefit people, wildlife, and the environment. From supporting school education programmes and conservation projects to enhancing animal habitats and visitor experiences, BZS plays an important role in strengthening BAMZ’s mission and expanding its reach within the community. Together, the organisations are not only protecting Bermuda’s natural heritage, but also helping shape a future where people of all ages better understand, value, and care for the world around them.

About BAMZ

The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ) is owned and operated by the Bermuda Government and operationally falls within the mandate of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 

BAMZ was founded in 1926 and is one of the world’s oldest aquariums. Situated in picturesque Flatts Village, our seven-acre facility remains a top attraction for all ages—and an important centre for science education, research and species conservation. BAMZ has been accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) since 1994. 

The Aquarium showcases more than 200 species of fish and delicate marine invertebrates from our shallow coastal waters, spectacular northern coral reefs, and the deep ocean. The spectacular 140,000-gallon North Rock Exhibit showcases live corals and large predatory fish, including sharks and a black grouper. Exhibits housing marine turtles—some of them rescued after injury—and harbour seals are two other very popular areas and provide for captive management and research initiatives. 

Our Zoo displays over 300 birds, reptiles and mammals from oceanic islands in lush, naturalistic exhibits with coastal walkaways and beautiful water vistas. An emphasis on conservation and environmental education forms the focus of our Zoo facility. Many animals in our collection belong to Species Survival Plans (SSP), AZA’s captive-breeding programmes for endangered creatures, some of which are reintroduced to the wild. The fragile nature of island ecosystems is a key theme in the Caribbean, Australasia and Madagascar Exhibits, which all have free-flight immersion areas that allow visitors to see animals as they would in nature. 

Located between the Aquarium & Zoo, the Bermuda Natural History Museum contains interactive and audio-visual exhibits that provide an insight into Bermuda’s geological formation, its habitats and the impact of human life on a small island environment. 

BAMZ is supported by our local charity, the Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS), and our US charity, the Atlantic Conservation Partnership.

Governance

Behind every successful programme, conservation initiative, and educational experience is a strong foundation of leadership and accountability. BZS is guided by a dedicated Board of Trustees and supported by volunteer committees who help shape the organisation's direction, ensure responsible stewardship of resources, and support our mission of inspiring appreciation and care for island environments.

The Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) is a not-for-profit Bermuda Registered Charity (No. 179). The BZS is governed by a Board of Directors, who are responsible for the general management and control of the BZS. The Board’s responsibilities include:

  • Set the organisation’s mission, strategy, and policies.
  • Ensure the organisation is financially responsible and well managed.
  • Promote awareness of BZS’s mission, programmes, and funding needs.
  • Provide governance and guidance by participating in relevant sub-committees.

 

Philippe Bacon
President / Management & IT Committee Chair

Collin Anderson
Vice President / Privacy Officer / Governance & HR Committee Chair

Felicia Wilsen
Treasurer

Courtney Bodenstab
Director / Education Committee Chair

Colin Brown
Director & Immediate Past President / Trunk & Marine Operations Committee Chair / Micro Forest Committee Chair

Michael Doyle
Director

Michael Frith
Director  

Camille Haley
Director / Volunteers & Marketing Committee Chair

Saskia Pearman
Director

Robert Steinhoff
Director / Investment Committee Chair

Ian Walker
Director & Principal Curator

Richard Winchell
Director & Former President / Fundraising and Membership Committee Chair

The Atlantic Conservation Partnership (ACP) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit group, dedicated to promoting collaborative study of our shared US, Bermuda and Caribbean environment through support of regional research and education programmes.

 This mission is achieved by support of: research projects and field conservation; travelling and permanent exhibits; internships and exchanges; education and training; cooperative breeding and species reintroduction; partnership with the Bermuda Aquarium Museum & Zoo (BAMZ) and its support agency, Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS).

ACP, formerly Friends of the Bermuda Aquarium (FOBA), was launched in 1993 as an American public charity, providing maximum tax advantages for American donors according to IRS regulations.  

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is a Government of Bermuda department responsible for protecting and managing Bermuda’s natural resources, wildlife, parks, and ecosystems. Through scientific research, conservation management, environmental policy, and public education, DENR works to preserve Bermuda’s unique island environments for future generations. The department oversees a wide range of initiatives focused on biodiversity, sustainability, biosecurity, and the protection of both terrestrial and marine habitats.

The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ) operates as part of DENR and plays an important role in advancing the department’s mission through animal care, conservation, research, and education. As a government institution, BAMZ works closely with DENR scientists, conservation officers, and environmental teams on projects that support Bermuda’s native species and ecosystems. Together, DENR and BAMZ help connect the community with Bermuda’s natural heritage while promoting a greater understanding of environmental stewardship and conservation.

The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ) is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a distinction held by only the highest-quality zoos and aquariums in the world.

To maintain this accreditation, AZA institutions like BAMZ must undergo a rigorous review every five years. This process includes a detailed application, an extensive on-site inspection by a team of trained aquarium and zoo professionals, and an interview with top AZA officials during a formal hearing.

AZA accreditation is a mark of excellence that provides many important benefits, including:

  • High Standards of Animal Welfare: BAMZ meets or exceeds AZA’s comprehensive standards for animal care, veterinary programs, and overall operations.
  • Professional Recognition: Our accreditation demonstrates BAMZ’s commitment to best practices and professionalism in the zoological field.
  • Access to Funding and Grants: AZA-accredited institutions are often more eligible for grants and financial support that further our conservation and education goals.
  • Regulatory Advantages: Accreditation can streamline certain government requirements, allowing BAMZ to focus more resources on animal care and conservation.
  • Commitment to Conservation and Education: As part of the AZA community, BAMZ contributes to global conservation initiatives, species recovery programs, and public education efforts.


To learn more about AZA accreditation and what it means, visit www.aza.org/what-is-accreditation.

Bermuda’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), passed in 2016, sets standards for the collection, use, and protection of personal information. PIPA is overseen by the Privacy Commissioner. The Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) follows these guidelines and best practices to ensure that any personal information we hold is handled securely, sensitively, and with complete discretion. For more information about how we collect, use, and protect personal data, please review our Privacy Policy. Collin Anderson, Vice President of the Board, is the BZS Privacy Officer and ensures PIPA standards are upheld within the organisation. If you have any questions about your records, please contact privacy@bzs.bm.