Recent News
One thousand turn up to help celebrate environmental landmarksThursday, June 09, 2022
About 1,000 people turned out to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo on Saturday to celebrate World Oceans Day and World Environment Day.
The facility, along with the Bermuda Zoological Society, hosted a free Family Open Day, where they demonstrated their “commitment to ocean conservation”.
David Wingate portrait donated to National Gallery
Thursday, May 12, 2022
A leading conservationist was presented with a portrait of himself in honour of his work.
Ornithologist shows David Wingate helping a fledging Cahow from its nest with two of the seabirds in flight behind him.
A dedication event was held at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo on Saturday.
SailGP preparations underway as Cross Island comes to life
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Sailing fever is now in full swing at the West End ahead of the opening races of SailGP this weekend.
Behind the scenes at Cross Island, headquarters of the Bermuda Grand Prix, the sailing teams and their technical support are immersed in preparations.
BZS Welcomes Youth Climate Summit Participants to Trunk Island
Thursday, May 05, 2022
On Saturday, 30th April, the Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) invited 6 participants from the Youth Climate Summit, as well as the Youth Climate Initiative Consulting Director - Dr. Rosemarie McMahon, for a morning of planting native trees on Trunk Island, the BZS Living Classroom. Under the careful guidance of Trevor Rawson, the BZS Trunk Island Project Coordinator, the participants were able to plant 30 native and endemic trees - teaching them the importance of placing trees and shrubs in a newly graded and exposed coastal environment.
Warwick Playground Transformed by the BZS Micro Forest Project
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
If you drove along South Shore in Warwick last Saturday morning you may have seen a large group of people planting at Warwick Playground. The Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) was joined by their Junior Volunteers, members of the BZS Science Club, individuals from the Government of Bermuda’s Department of Parks, employees from the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo and corporate volunteers from RenaissanceRe and Aspen Re to plant the second plot for the BZS Micro Forest Project.
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Latest News
All the latest updates and news from the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo, one of Bermuda's leading visitor attractions!
By Simon Jones
Published Jun 17, 2015 at 8:00 am (Updated Jun 17, 2015 at 8:03 am)
Trunk Island, in Harrington Sound, will be used to teach children about conservation
(Photo by Simon Jones)
It is one of the most pristine and untouched habitats left in Bermuda.
Now Trunk Island is set to become a spectacular outdoor classroom for schoolchildren to learn about conservation and the environment after the Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) bought a 2.4-acre lot.
The old caretaker's cottage on Trunk Island will be transformed into a classroom
(Photo by Simon Jones)
The island, in Harrington Sound, is home to the only Palmetto Palm forest in Bermuda outside of Paget Marsh, and its isolation makes it the ideal venue for conservation efforts.
Trunk Island, in Harrington Sound, will be used to teach children about conservation
(Photo by Simon Jones)
BZS plans to use the island to expand its school educational programme and transform the old caretaker’s cottage — one of two properties on Trunk Island — into a classroom.
Trunk Island, in Harrington Sound, will be used to teach children about conservation (Photo by Simon Jones)
The project has the full backing of the island’s only two residents, Patrick O’Donnell and Hannah Gardner, and has been made possible thanks to the generous donations from the Stempel Foundation and other organisations.
Former conservation officer, David Wingate, has been working with BZS and the couple for the past few years to help to eradicate two invasive species, rats and casuarina trees, from the seven-acre island.
Jamie Bacon, the BZS education officer, talks about how the purchase of the
lot on Trunk Island wil help to enhance the education programme
offered to schoolchildren (Photo by Simon Jones)
“This is a very, very exciting opportunity for ecological restoration as well as educating schoolchildren,” said Dr Wingate.
“I believe there is even the potential to re-establish cahows here with effective management.”
Ms Gardner and her family have spent summers at their home on Trunk Island since 1955.
Curator of Bermuda Museum, Aquarium and Zoo, Ian Walker, outside the old caretaker's
home on Trunk Island, which will be transformed into a classroom for schoolchildren
(Photo by Simon Jones)
“My mother was a Tucker and the island has been in the family since the 1800s,” she said. “I have always loved it here; it is quiet and calm and you can’t even hear the traffic. I wholeheartedly support this initiative and think it’s great that schoolchildren will get the chance to experience this unique environment and learn from it.”
Trunk Island, in Harrington Sound, will be used to teach children about conservation
(Photo by Simon Jones)
BZS was able to buy their part of Trunk Island at the beginning of the year thanks to a major funding campaign that has so far raised nearly half of its $5 million target.
The Stempel Foundation and Stempel family provided a huge financial boost to the project and other organisations have also made significant contributions. BZS plans to expand its aqua camp programme with more activities for middle school students and introduce a one-week residential camp for students between the ages of 14 and 15.
Trunk Island, in Harrington Sound, will be used to teach children about conservation
(Photo by Simon Jones)
“With so many social and environmental challenges impacting our Island, providing a place for students to unplug and learn in a natural island setting can contribute to a young person’s knowledge and confidence,” said Jamie Bacon, BZS education officer.
Trunk Island, in Harrington Sound, will be used to teach children about conservation
(Photo by Simon Jones)
“The magic of experimental learning is motivational for students who might otherwise be disinterested in a normal classroom setting.
“Trunk Island will certainly enhance our schools programme, which is available free to all students from preschool through senior school.”
An aerial shot of Trunk Island (Photo supplied by John Singleton)
BZS president Richard Winchell added: “We are very grateful to the organisations and companies that have already made contributions towards this important educational campaign, in particular our lead donors, the Stempel Foundation and Stempel family.”