By Leanne McGrath
Published Sep 8, 2014 at 8:00 am (Updated Sep 7, 2014 at 11:11 pm)

Time to be replaced: A portion of the ceiling around the cyclindrical water
tank at the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo collapsed two
weeks ago. The roof of the 88-year-old building is to be replaced next month.

The Aquarium Hall is to close early next month so the roof can be replaced.

Termite damage, sagging beams and water ingress are among the problems affecting the 88-year-old building.

A ceiling in the hall collapsed two weeks ago after heavy rainfall seeped through the roof.

No one was injured and no fish were harmed.

Plans to replace the ageing roof, built from long timbers and stone slate, have been a “multi-year process”, according to Dr Ian Walker, principal curator at Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ), in Bermuda Zoological Society’s latest newsletter.

“Unlike normal Bermuda roofs which need treating for termites occasionally, we have been unable to tent it because of the permanent residents of the building,” Dr Walker writes. “All the water pipes and air lines for all the tanks, inside and outside the aquarium, run through the roof.

“All of the life-support systems, such as tank lights, protein and ultraviolet filters and associated electrical systems, are also located in the roof.

“If you take into account that we need to keep all of it running to keep the tanks ‘alive’, the process of replacing the roof becomes much more complex.

“In addition, like many older, traditional Bermuda houses, the aquarium was not built with foundations but limestone blocks laid directly on the surrounding rock. It also does not have any ‘belt’ beams that tie all the walls together — all of this will have to be added or worked around.”

The Aquarium Hall will close on Sunday, October 5, to allow staff to remove the fish, corals and other sealife to prepared holding tanks.

Creatures not kept for BAMZ’s collection will be released into the wild.

The renovation work on the roof is due to begin on October 13, and construction is expected to take up to six months.

Government’s budget for the year 2014/15 estimates the cost of Aquarium refurbishment to be $1.2 million.

Dr Walker’s statement says BAMZ will remain open, with the zoo, museum, AZU Beastro and Discovery Room all available for visitors.

The Gift Shop will also stay in operation, although it will be moved, while the main entrance to BAMZ will be relocated to a ramp beside the Seal Pool walkway.

The North Rock Tank exhibit will also stay open during much of the renovation period.

“As the Bermuda Government begins this important work, please know that the facility will still be open and the BZS will continue to provide the majority of our programmes, activities and events,” Dr Walker writes. “We will be having another Open Day on Sunday, September 28.

“We will continue to have a schedule of talks and activities throughout the winter months, we will also be introducing some new Animal Encounters soon and, of course, Santa will still come to BAMZ this Christmas.”

Dr Walker adds that a fresh new look would welcome visitors after the work has been carried out.

“At the end of the construction, which is expected to take six months, BAMZ will have a safe, watertight Aquarium building which has all new electrics and all new lighting which will greatly improve the tank displays.

“We shall be as green as possible with LED lighting throughout, solar tubes and solar panels being added. The interior of the Aquarium Hall will also have been refreshed, with new graphics and a new look.

“We understand that this will be an inconvenience to our members during the winter months and we ask for your help and patience as we improve our community Aquarium.