Recent News
Sea Turtle Nest Found On Beach, 15 HatchingsMonday, August 17, 2015
The beach at Alexandra Battery in St. George’s is currently closed to public use as a turtle nest was discovered yesterday on the beach, and 15 hatchlings have been found.
Debris Thrown In Ocean Harming Sea Turtles
Monday, August 17, 2015
Residents are being urged not to throw debris into the ocean after another sea turtle was found dead recently.
THE CLASSROOM COMES TO LIFE FOR JAYSUN PAYNTER
Monday, August 17, 2015
What started out as an ordinary summer Sunday morning has turned into the anticipation of an exciting event for one nine-year-old St. George’s boy. Jaysun Paynter, who lives across the street from the Alexandra Batteray beach, tells Today in Bermuda that yesterday started out like every other weekend at home with his parents and siblings
Bringing Bermuda’s legends to life
Thursday, August 06, 2015
Bermuda’s myths and legends are being brought vividly to life thanks to a creative collaboration by Rockfire Productions.
28 Teams Take Part In BZS Reef Watch Event
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Although the weather may not have fully cooperated on Saturday, June 27th, the Bermuda Zoological Society’s annual REEF Watch citizen science initiative, sponsored by Hiscox, has proven to be another successful year.
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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.