Conservation education is truly a window on the world, allowing us to share in the global commitment to preserving natural species of plants and animals. The team at Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre dedicates much of its time, expertise, and resources to promoting conservation through programs which ensure the survival of many endangered species, as well to encourage recycling, reusing and the use of environmentally friendly products.
By providing a sanctuary and survival centre for the plants and animals of the world’s vanishing natural habitats, Ardastra can help visitors and researchers learn more about these creatures, while giving them a chance to flourish and breed in a near natural setting.
These are some of the endangered animals Ardastra is working with:
The Caribbean flamingo is the national bird of The Bahamas and defines what most visitors remember most about Ardastra. They perform humorously and with precise formation to the instructions of their trainer during the Flamingo Show which is conducted three times per day.
Part of the genus Phoenicopterus, this delicate-looking bird takes its name from the mythological Phoenix that was reborn from its own ashes. The Bahamas has one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of Caribbean flamingoes which is found on the southern-most Bahamian island called Great Inagua.
Ardastra Gardens proudly breeds Caribbean flamingoes which freely roam the Zoo, allowing easy photography of these magnificent birds.
|BAHAMIAN BOA CONSTRICTOR
These medium-sized snakes are striking with their brown scales tinged with wisps of iridescent purple, green, yellow and blue. Unfortunately, they are a threatened species due to persecution by humans. Often they are killed when they are found in backyards and tool sheds merely because people are frightened of them. However, there are NO venomous snakes in The Bahamas and Bahamian boas help control the immense rodent population, therefore helping to control the spread of diseases. Snake education is a priority for Ardastra Gardens and it is our hope to help snakes and humans co-habit peacefully.
Once so plentiful that Columbus wrote in his log that flocks ‘darkened the sky’, the colorful Bahama parrot is found on only two of the 700 islands of the country, Great Inagua and Abaco. Recent counts have put the total number of these birds under 3000. A sub species of the Cuban Amazon parrot, the Bahama parrot has dark green feathers, a white crown and upper cheeks, red throat and shoulders, and outer wing feathers tinged in blue. Habitat loss, hunting, and capture for pets have significantly decreased the numbers of these parrots in the wild. Ardastra has successfully bred the Bahama parrot and has several on display for conservation and education purposes.
We Constantly Strive to Reduce Our Impact By Doing The Following
- Use environmentally friendly products
- Implement environmental building practices when possible
- Use fans and skylights to reduce power consumption
- Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste
- Compost our biodegradable waste
- Offer a drop-off site for plastics, cardboard, cans, and bottles for our members in cooperation with the following organisations:
BAHAMAS WILDLIFE & NATURE ORGANIZATIONS
- Bahamas National Trust
- Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation
- The Bahamas Humane Society
- Dolphin Encounters Blue Lagoon Island
Support our efforts in wildlife conservation! The following are the programs that your generous donation will help to preserve. These include our ongoing efforts at Ardastra to educate our community (adults and children alike) in the importance of conserving our very important animal and plant species.
Caribbean Flamingo Breeding Program
Bahamian Boa Education Program
Lory Parrot Education Program
Peafowl Breeding Program