Recent News
Siblings share a passion for animalsFriday, July 26, 2013
A passion for animals led siblings Peter and Kate Cooper to become volunteers with the Bermuda Zoological Society.
Baby 'pygmy' sperm whale found dead
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
What is believed to be a baby pygmy sperm whale was found washed up dead in the shallows off Nonsuch Island.
Kids on the Reef returns for a third year
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Dr Sterrer to give a lecture on Island’s biodiversity
Thursday, July 11, 2013
A local natural history expert will explore some of the miraculous ways that Bermuda’s plants and animals found their way to the Island, tomorrow evening at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI).
Kids on the Reef returns for a third year
Monday, July 08, 2013
On the way out to North Rock the young people in the boat started to wonder why they had come. Despite having lived on an Island their whole lives, most of them had never been out of sight of land. They were nervous and spent the ride worrying about currents, sharks, the weather, and the depth of the ocean.
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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 Sarah Lagan
Published Feb 27, 2015 at 8:00 am (Updated Feb 27, 2015 at 8:22 am)
Snorkelling is among the experiences available to youngsters (Photo by Chris Burville)
Students are being offered the chance to learn about the Island’s marine environment from world-class South African free diver Hanli Prinsloo.
She is taking part in the upcoming Kids on the Reef programme, in which middle school pupils practice skills learned on Bermuda Zoological Society’s (BZS) “floating classroom” vessel, Endurance, and enjoy free on-water experiences.
Ms Prinsloo, of the I Am Water Foundation, came to the Island in 2012 to talk about her sport and her passion for the ocean at a Tedx conference and has been returning since then to take part in Kids on the Reef.
Participants of the programme, which takes place in May and June, learn everything from exploring the surface of the water to diving beneath the waves.
Free diver Hanli Prinsloo
The programme is designed to instil a desire to protect and conserve our ocean environment.
Kids on the Reef coordinator and BZS educator Dr Alex Amat said: “The yoga, breathing and theory sessions in the classroom all come to life when children step on the Endurance to go out at sea.
“We always find a sheltered spot for them to get comfortable in the water and experience the marvels of a nearby reef on the first day, with a visit to North Rock on the second day, weather permitting.”
Students in primary five and primary six can enjoy a similar one-day programme each autumn called Water is Me, during which they learn about the water cycle and carry out experiments in the morning, before boarding Endurance for an afternoon of snorkelling.
“It is so rewarding to give some of these children their first snorkelling experience from such a safe and comfortable platform,” said Dr Amat.
Endurance’s Captain, Nigel Pollard, added: “The Endurance is an important asset, mainly because it allows the youth of Bermuda the unbelievable opportunity to get up close and personal with what they are learning in the classroom.
“The hands-on experience allows for a greater understanding of the world around you.”
• Teachers interested in taking students out on Endurance for an educational experience can contact the education office at BZS at edofficer.bzs@gov.bm or by calling 293-2727 extension 2142.