Zoos and Aquariums on New Providence Island in the Bahamas

There is a reason that the Bahamas have long been a favored vacation destination. There is just so much to do and so much to see, that no vacation ever seems long enough. To take it all in, you have to return again and again. While, of course, there are many wonderful beaches to on which to enjoy the classic attractions of sun, surf and sand, the Bahamas has much more than that to offer tourists. New Providence Island in the Bahamas is home to interesting zoos and aquariums that are favorites among tourists, especially those traveling with children.

Ardastra Gardens and Zoo is located at Columbus Avenue and Chippingham Road in Nassau, on New Providence Island in the Bahamas. This is a remarkable place, with 335 animals and an incredible variety of lush, tropical plants pack into a space that covers about two acres of land. It is open every day, from 9am to 4:30pm, which is a good thing, as it will take the whole day to fully explore all that it has to offer. There is an admission fee of $12 for people aged 13 years and older, with a fee of $6 for children 12 years old and younger.

There are many fascinating animals to be seen, including quite a number of exotic creatures. There are tame boa constrictors, iguanas, many varieties of monkeys, including some from such far away places as Madagascar, a sloth, a margay, which is a rare wild cat found in Central America, and many more unusual animals. The species of birds found in this zoo include peacocks, the Pintail Bahama Duck, several species of parrots and conures, parakeets, pheasants, cockatoos, and an amazing flock of brilliantly pink performing Caribbean Flamingos.

For several decades, the zoo has featured performing flamingos. Watching the 38 graceful flamingos in synchronized marching drills is just amazing. They perform three times a day, at 10:30am, 2:10pm, and 4:10pm.

In addition to this collection of wildlife, drawn seemingly from every nook and cranny on the globe, there is a wide variety of plant life. There are paths featuring plaques that name the various types of plants. Among the plants to be seen are tropical vines, numerous species of shrubs, a wide range of trees, including varieties of mangos, bananas, sapodillas, breadfruit and cherries, sea grape, mahogany, crotons, frangipani, and cabbage palm, as well as many types of flowers.

There are many other sights to see. The aquariums and marine life collections are some of the best and most varied in the world. Waterscape is said to be the largest outdoor aquarium in the world. It has 40 waterfalls, 6 separate lagoons full of marine life, and innovative underwater walkways that allow visitors a marvelous view of the fish and other water creatures. At Predator Lagoon, marine predators, such as the black nosed shark, are carefully bred and protected.

New Providence Island of the Bahamas features a wide variety of wildlife in its zoos and aquariums. The plant life is delightful to experience and creates a wonderful environment for the animal life. These are special places, each unique and completely worth the time spent.