Bermuda Aquarium and Museum
| Date opened | 1926 |
|---|---|
| Location | Flatts Village, Bermuda |
| Coordinates | 32°19′24″N 64°44′14″W / 32.323396°N 64.737132°WCoordinates: 32°19′24″N 64°44′14″W / 32.323396°N 64.737132°W |
| No. of animals | 300 |
| Volume of largest tank | 140,000 U.S. gallons (530,000 l) (North Rock exhibit) |
| Annual visitors | 100,000 |
| Memberships | AZA |
| Website | www |
The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) is a facility located in Flatts Village, Bermuda, about 700 mi (1,100 km) east of the United States and at the geographic center of Bermuda. It was established in 1926 by the Bermuda government to enhance a growing tourism industry and "to inspire appreciation and care of island environments." The facility focuses on showing oceanic island species and in conservation, education, and research related to these species, and contains an aquarium, a natural history museum, and a zoo.
Support for the institution comes mainly from the Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) and the Atlantic Conservation Partnership (ACP), both of which are supported primarily by donations and memberships.
The zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1993, and participates in four Species Survival Plans (SSP) as of 2009.
From its opening in 1926 until 1978, BAMZ was supported solely by the Bermuda government. In 1978, the Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) was formed with the specific goal of supporting BAMZ. As of 2009, the BZS has a membership including 15% of the island's residents, as well as corporate sponsors. The Bermuda government provides support for the operational needs of the zoo, while the BZS supports ongoing development and the educational and research programs, and organizes special events and exhibits.
In 1991 and 1992, a major capital campaign raised $3 million for the construction of the North Rock Exhibit, the Australasia Exhibit, and the Caribbean Exhibit. The Bermuda government matched this funding to create new seawater reservoirs, infrastructure, and a new Education/Administration building.
The Atlantic Conservation Partnership (ACP), a U.S. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, was formed in 1994. ACP is a member and donor supported organization with the goal of furthering knowledge and conservation of island environments, and is now one of the two major support organizations for BAMZ.
In 1997 and 1998 the BZS raised enough money to endow a full-time Education Officer.
Bermudian naturalist Louis L. Mowbray was director of that aquarium from 1928 to 1944. He was succeeded by his son Louis in 1944.
The Aquarium is just inside the main entrance building, and contains over 200 species of fish and invertebrates in many naturalistic displays. The largest display is the 140,000 gallon North Rock Exhibit, which is a living replica of North Rock. The real North Rock is part of the Rim Reef system, the Northern-most chain of coral reefs in the world.
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