Bermuda Zoological Society is rewarding a generous capital campaign gift by dedicating part of the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo’s Madagascar Exhibit to donor RenaissanceRe.

RenaissanceRe made a leadership gift to BZS’s Education Endowment Fund—allowing critical conservation-education programmes for Bermuda’s children to continue. To thank the company, BZS has dedicated the Fossa Exhibit, one of the Zoo’s most popular, to RenaissanceRe.

The fossa is a cat-like predator housed within the new Madagascar Exhibit that opened last fall alongside a world-class Animal Care Centre, both sponsored by HSBC Bank of Bermuda Limited.

“RenaissanceRe is committed to Bermuda and supporting organisations that improve the quality of life for everyone on our Island,” said company CEO Neill Currie.

“The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo is a place where Bermudians and visitors of all ages are educated and inspired to develop an appreciation of the fragile environment and unique wildlife around us.

“We are proud to support Bermuda Zoological Society’s conservation-education programmes and to have our name attached to this fascinating attraction in the Madagascar Exhibit which we hope will be enjoyed for years to come.”

The Zoo’s fossa—a two-year-old female named “Orana” (Malagasy for “rain”)—is a member of the mongoose family, representing Madagascar’s top predator. With her long tail, intense stare and agile antics, Orana has proven very popular with BAMZ visitors, including school students who learn about the environmental challenges facing fragile island environments through the Madagascar Exhibit.

RenaissanceRe’s financial gift to the BZS Education Endowment helps support the free conservation-education programmes offered to more 6,000 children every year. These include science lessons in BZS classrooms, visits to local schools, weekend nature encounters and holiday camps, plus field-trips to reefs and national parks around the Island.

“We thank RenaissanceRe for its generous and faithful support of BZS, and its continued commitment to funding the teaching of young people about the importance of our natural environment,” said Lynda Johnson, Development Director of BZS.

BZS is the support charity for Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, funding a full slate of education programmes, conservation and research projects, exhibits and community outreach events. BAMZ is a Bermuda government institution within the Department of Conservation Services.

[Photo credit: Chris Burville]