Recent News
World-class free diver to help BZS programmeFriday, February 27, 2015
Students are being offered the chance to learn about the Island’s marine environment from world-class South African free diver Hanli Prinsloo.
Regiment Volunteer Divers Take On Lionfish
Monday, February 02, 2015
A volunteer team of Regiment divers “declared war” on lionfish this past weekend.
Aquarium roof work on schedule
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Work on the aquarium’s new roof is over halfway complete and the project remains well on track, according to Dr Ian Walker.
Students Enjoy “Hands On” Learning With BZS
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Whether for high school seniors about to head off to university, or preschoolers just beginning their educational career, the Bermuda Zoological Society [BZS] has been offering a wide variety of hands-on learning opportunities for Bermuda’s students for many years – and all free of charge for the students and teachers who attend.
Film star Douglas to narrate Ocean Vet
Monday, December 22, 2014
The announcement that Michael Douglas will narrate the upcoming Ocean Vet series is a fitting tribute to the man behind the nature documentary.
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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!
Simon Jones
Published Oct 23, 2015 at 8:00 am (Updated Oct 23, 2015 at 2:49 am)
Trunk Island conservation
Volunteers have given up nearly 2,000 hours of their time to help transform Trunk Island into a living classroom for schoolchildren.
The Bermuda Zoological Society purchased a 2.4-acre lot on the pristine islet in Harrington Sound at the beginning of the year and three months ago embarked on a major conservation project under the watchful eye of David Wingate. The initiative has involved tackling invasives species and ensuring the island’s natural fauna and flora is restored and preserved to help youngsters to better understand Bermuda’s unique ecology.
This week Ian Walker, principal curator of the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo, thanked the two principal sponsors; Butterfield & Vallis and Axis, for their invaluable financial support for the scheme that has already seen schoolchildren take part in four one-day camps and a weeklong residential camp on Trunk Island.
Hard work: the Trunk Island Conservation project
“Knowing that BZS is not only committed to conserving Bermuda’s natural environment, but to also educating future generations on the importance of preserving their home was a major factor when we decided to donate to the campaign,” said Albert Benchimol, CEO of Axis.
“We are pleased that the island will be transformed into a sanctuary for Bermuda’s wildlife, similar to Nonsuch Island, and in doing so create a permanent classroom for Bermuda’s future environmentalists.” Weekend Warrior volunteers have dedicated 520 hours on the island this year, while corporate “giving days” have seen nine companies send 250 employees to Trunk Island and complete 1,335 hours work.
Jim Butterfield, CEO of Butterfield & Vallis added: “Being able to give students the opportunity to physically engage in nature and discover the importance of our fragile environment is imperative to Bermuda’s ecological future.”
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 conservation?
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.
Dr Wingate said: “The Weekend Warrior programme is vital to ensuring the eradication of invasive species.
“Without the dedication and support of volunteers we would find it very difficult to reach our ultimate goal of returning the island to its native and endemic environment.”
BZS has been able to raise just over $3 million, and 50 per cent of its target, through a series of fundraising efforts.
To find out more about the volunteer programme contact Joanne Chisnall on 293-2727 extension 2130 or e-mail volunteers.bzs@gov.bm