Established in 1937 by Jamaican horticulturist Hedley Vivian Edwards, Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Center was the Bahamas’ first zoo and is now home to over 200 animals. Located in the heart of Nassau, the center is spread over more than four acres of lush tropical gardens that are inhabited by a wide variety of mammal, reptile and bird species, including the Caribbean flamingo, the Bahamas’ national bird.
The now endangered Caribbean flamingo was introduced to the island in the 1950's, beginning an extremely successful breeding program that is still in effect today. The center is surrounded by tranquil, restorative gardens, and visitors to the zoo can enjoy close encounters with more than 135 of the center’s collection of animals.