Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo

24th May 2018

For my birthday, Maria planned to take me on the bus to be with the animals. And Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) is just the place for that. It has a fine selection of all things, corralled in a small but perfectly formed package.

Unfortunately, bus drivers had called a strike on the morning of the 24th May, but we thought our extended wait at the bus stop was down to good old laidbackness. Only when a driver, Eggie, stopped at the bus stop to tell us of this problem did we become enlightened. Fortunately, as well as being a stone mason, Eggie also offers his service as a driver. So, for no more than the bus fare, he took us to the zoo, then gave us a card so to call him just in case the strike lasted longer than the morning – or to get some stone work done. Eggie was our hero.

Walking through the door, a woman behind the desk welcomed us to BAMZ. We asked for two tickets; she asked if we are seniors. Far from taking offence, I saw this as a money-saving opportunity. I asked what age is a senior; she saw through me and replied 85. These Bermudians have a sense of humour.

After paying full price for the tickets, we walked into the aquarium, turned right and feasted our eyes on these beautiful sea creatures. From coral crunchers to blowfish, sharks and lionfish (that would serve the environment better if on a fish kebab) there was plenty to see.

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Birthday at bamz

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The Zoo

Just outside the aquarium is the small, but very well organised zoo. The people at BAMZ  have designed this well; despite its small size (relative to the well-known UK zoos), there’s a lot here. And it doesn’t appear crowded, at least not to my untrained eyeballs. The site is laid out into themes including Madagascar, Australasia and Galapagos. And although the photograph doesn’t show it too well, there a couple of huge Galapagos tortoises here. These tortoises first arrived in the 1930’s and are a tremendous size. The largest one is unquestionably a senior – he is over 95 years old.

The flamingos appear to be in rude health, they are without a doubt the pinkest we have seen. And, if the yoga pose is any indicator of well-being, the lemurs seem content with life. I’m not so sure about the electronic accoutrements around the lemurs’ necks, but judging by the face on one of them – these virtual fences might be a necessary evil.

Birthday at bamz

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The bus service sprung back to normal by mid-afternoon, so we were able to get back to St George’s without the aid of Eggie’s taxi service. 

Wahoo!

Seemingly the choice of locals, Wahoos Waterside Bistro in St George’s never seems to be empty regardless of the time of day. So, to stand a fighting chance of a table, Maria made a reservation for the evening. And when we sat down to eat, we found out why it’s so busy: they serve some fantastic food presented to you with friendly and snappy service. The fish tacos are fabulous and the dark and stormy’s dangerous. 

Then, after dinner, we wobbled back to Lady Jane for a surprise birthday cake from my beautiful wife.

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