ARDASTRA GARDEN AND ZOO

The garden opened its doors in 1937, under the leadership of a Jamaican botanist, Hedley Edwards, who decided to import flamingos from the island of Inagua as early as 1950. In 1982, the garden was bought by a Bahamian who developed the collection of animals to make it the only zoo in the archipelago. Hundreds of animals, iguanas, monkeys, lemurs, jaguars, snakes, birds (pink flamingos and parrots), are to be discovered in an immense tropical garden. You will observe endemic species threatened with extinction, such as the boa constrictor or the rock iguana. The famous pink flamingos respond to orders and parade with military precision during a short, perfectly orchestrated show in a small wooden arena. Feeding sessions with colourful parrots from the South Pacific islands, who love apples, are organized for the delight of children. Among the botanical curiosities will be the Bahamian national tree, the "lignum vitae" and the national flower "the yellow elder". A beautiful collection of orchids is also available to amateur botanists. More than just a zoo in a beautiful garden, Ardastra is an active and essential place to raise awareness among locals and visitors alike of the importance of actively protecting Bahamian flora and fauna. It is in this spirit that the owners regularly organize film screenings and educational activities for local children and families.