The Zoo

Our Zoo displays over 300 birds, reptiles and mammals from oceanic islands in lush, naturalistic exhibits with coastal walkways and beautiful water vistas. An emphasis on conservation and environmental education forms the focus of our Zoo facility. Many animals in our collection belong to Species Survival Plans (SSP), AZA's captive-breeding programmes for endangered creatures, some of which are reintroduced to the wild. The fragile nature of island ecosystems is a key theme in the Caribbean, Australasia and Madagascar Exhibits, which all have free-flight immersion areas that allow visitors to see animals as they would in nature.

The Zoo has been landscaped to showcase native and endemic plants of Bermuda as well as plants attractive to wildlife. With some luck you will have Monarch and Buckeye butterflies join you during your tour of the grounds.

Scarlet Ibis

Scarlet Ibis

Islands of the Caribbean

This display illustrates the diverse range of species that are found in the Caribbean region.  You will likely first encounter one of the oldest and largest flocks of endangered pink flamingos nesting in our mangrove swamp.  This very successful breeding programme is one of several Species Recovery programs run by the zoo, which continues to help restock wild populations in the Caribbean.  

Stroll along the tropical walkway through our vast flight cage, where you will encounter Brazilian acouchi, scarlet ibis, red-foot tortoises and golden lion tamarins. All within arm’s reach.

Galapagos Tortoises

Don't forget to stop and say hello to our oldest residents, the Galapagos Tortoises (Geochelone nigra). Believed to be over 90 years old now, the two on display were most likely amongst the first tortoises brought to Bermuda in 1928. 

In 1936, BAMZ was the first to breed this species in captivity. The breeding programme continued until 1996, with many of the young tortoises being relocated to zoos around the world to join other conservation programmes. 

Islands of Australasia

This exhibits highlights both the diversity and  challenges of the settlement of Asia and Australia.  Our western enclosure features animals from the Australian side of the Wallace Line while those from the Asian side are featured in the eastern enclosure.  

This walk through habitat brings you face to face with the exotic animals of Australia through Asia, including the binturong, water monitor, tree kangaroo, fruit bats, otters, black hornbill, and red necked wallabies.

Madagascar Exhibit

Fossa (photo by the Royal Gazette)

Fossa (photo by the Royal Gazette)

Visit our newest exhibit that showcases the wildlife of the truly unique world of Madagascar. Enter through a large kiosk to learn about the threats to habitats and continue on into a massive flight cage. Soon  visitors will experience troops of Lemurs running free within the waterfall enclosure. Gem exhibits that showcase snakes and tropical frogs native to that region.

Local Tails

Learn about Bermuda’s native, endemic and endangered animals in our Local Tails exhibit; such as the critically endangered Skink, one of the rarest rock lizards in the world. The exhibit features a touch pool where you can hold sea urchins, conch and sea cucumbers. A table top aquarium that offers a fascinating view of juvenile fish, crabs and corals.  Also in this exhibit, the Discovery Room features hands-on-activities for children, including puzzles, interactive learning stations and games.

Discovery Cove Playground

Right next door to “Oscar”, our 11 foot American Alligator, you will find Discovery Cove. This area is designed to inspire children to explore and discover. In addition to slides and sand-pits, it features a music hut, voice tube, stepping stones, waterfall, fossil dig and numerous sensory activities.  Our youngest visitors should not miss a visit to the Discovery Room  complete with Story Time Friday, where they can engage and learn about the environment.