Recent News
Micro Forests set to get biggerSaturday, August 27, 2022
More microforests are set to appear around the island as a Bermuda Zoological Society project to plant more trees and shrubs continues to grow.
The BZS Awards Four Students Environmental Science Scholarships
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Four Bermudian students have been awarded a combined $15,000 in educational funds as part of the Bermuda Zoological Society’s (BZS) annual BZS Steinhoff programme. Osei Agyapong, Imogen Peckett, Logan Soares and Naphisa Smith were selected for their academic achievements and their commitment to protecting the environment.
From Block Island to Montauk Through Sharks, Currents and Cramps
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Lori King of Long Island finished a nearly 24-mile trip in 8 hours 39 minutes 45 seconds. Once her swim is certified, King will be recognized as the first person to complete the journey.
Hamilton Lions pump up the cash for local charities
Wednesday, July 06, 2022
Two charities reaped $11,000 each thanks to an enduring fundraiser by Hamilton Lions Club.
The proceeds from the club’s 53rd annual Gas-O-Rama and raffle draw were presented to Vision Bermuda and the Bermuda Zoological Society.
Aspen Plants First Red Mangroves on Trunk Island
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
On Friday 3rd June, employees from Aspen were excited to plant the first young red mangrove trees in their sponsored Coastal Red Mangrove Forest on Trunk Island – the Bermuda Zoological Society’s (BZS) ‘Living Classroom’.
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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 Sep 30, 2015 at 8:00 am (Updated Sep 30, 2015 at 12:46 am)
Environmentalists have urged the public to report marine oil spills as quickly as possible to prevent them causing serious damage to the Island’s wildlife.
The call comes after a stricken longtail covered in oil washed up close to the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club last week.
The bird was taken to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) for emergency treatment but later died as a result of damage caused by the oil.
“This immediate reporting helps reduce the spread of the spill and improves the chances of intervention to save the birds,” said a spokesman from the Ministry of the Environment.
“Most oil spills in Bermuda are small and involve light weight oils that create a sheen on the surface of the water and, because they are volatile, evaporate over a course of hours to days depending on the size of the spill.
“These tend to cause problems for wildlife because they contain toxic chemicals and exposure through the skin or mucous membranes or through inhalation of fumes can cause serious injury and death.
The Department of Environmental Protection was alerted to last week’s bird fatality and conducted its own investigation, but no spill or source of the oil could be found.
This Bermuda longtail died last week
after getting caught in an oil slick
The spokesman added: “Oil spills are a huge problem for marine life and, because it generally floats, mainly affect animals and plants that interact with the surface of the water or when it comes ashore.
“In this instance, this appeared to be a medium weight oil that both covered the tropic bird and had a toxic component.
“When oils get on to a bird’s feathers it causes a big problem for the bird. Birds feathers are designed to be naturally waterproof and it requires the feathers to be well aligned, clean and for them to interlock, much like Velcro does.
“Instinctively, birds will try and clean their feathers, which also leads to ingestion of the oil.
“This will then damage their digestive system through chemical burns and also results in poisoning. Oil spills can also have major impacts on delicate ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves.”
Oil spills should be reported immediately to Bermuda Radio on 297-1010 or by e-mailing operations@ccbermuda.bm. Members of the public can also call the Bermuda Marine Police at 247-1770.
Any injured wildlife should be reported to BAMZ on 293-2727 for collection or drop off so they can receive instant care.