A STATE-of-the-art animal care hospital is to open at the Bermuda Aquarium Museum & Zoo (BAMZ) next year, one of several major improvements planned for the Flatts facility in the coming decade.

Government pledged $1.1 million towards the construction of the $1.7 million hospital ? a move lauded by Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) and BAMZ members at a press conference yesterday to publicly launch a $6.6 million capital campaign.

"Our campaign has four themes ? education, conservation, animal care and family fun," explained BZS treasurer Bill Scott. "Our ambition is to raise $6.6 million in support of those four themes. The first thing we want to do is enhance our Education Endowment Fund.

"We see somewhere in the region of 5,000 schoolchildren each year. Education is critical for us ? it's an (increasingly) expensive activity for us, but we recognise it's important. The second thing that we want to do is to realise our long-term ambition ? to create an animal hospital and a wildlife rehabilitation centre.

"We also want to enhance some of our exhibits and in addition, create a Visitor Orientation Centre at the front of our building.

"We're proud of the way that we're perceived here at the facility. We think we have a deserved reputation for continuing to improve and upgrade. The funds that we raise with this campaign will continue that and enable us to stay on the leading edge as a facility in Bermuda.

"We're also very proud of our relationship with Government. BAMZ as you know is a Government facility and the BZS is a not-for-profit supporter of the facility. We think this is a perfect model for the way that the public and private sectors can interact."

Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield spoke just as highly of the collaboration. She pointed out that Government is a true supporter of the facility ? that it had incorporated BAMZ's teachings in the public school system and provided $2.5 million in funding, general site maintenance and a dedicated BAMZ bus for school kids' visits.

"As you all should know, (BAMZ) is the core educational outreach facility for promoting the conservation and environmental message of the Ministry of the Environment," the Minister said.

"It provides a fun, engaging vehicle for spreading this important message by bringing families and student groups face-to-face with some of the island's natural wonders that they might otherwise never see.

"We know that such intimate experiences are important in influencing behaviour and developing a 'conservation ethic' in our people. While as a community we must examine what must be done to plan for a sustainable future, the importance of developing an appreciation for nature becomes even more apparent.

"So here we have a Government facility promoting an important message that many of us believe is pivotal for the entire community's ongoing success. But we all know that this is far more than a Government facility ? it is truly one of Bermuda's gems . . .

"This is an exciting time for BAMZ. The launch of this capital campaign for the Bermuda Aquarium bodes well for the future of this institution. The Bermuda Government is pleased to lead this phase with the construction of a much-needed animal care facility. I am proud to be a partner in this noble enterprise."

At present, zoo animals in need of medical care must be crated and transported to Endsmeet Animal Hospital in Devonshire. Though that partnership will continue, an in-house facility will enable faster treatment and afford equipment for research. Among the benefits to be gained ? an all-purpose diagnostic and treatment room, quarantine facilities, diagnostic equipment, much-needed space for the rapid assessment of ill animals and injured wildlife, and an operating area should surgical procedures be required.

"The trend in zoos and animals world wide is to have onsite veterinary hospitals to provide the best animal care possible," said BAMZ curator Ian Walker.

A qualified veterinarian, Dr. Walker will head the facility and was yesterday enthusiastic about the prospect.

"BAMZ is committed to excellence and our accrediting body, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, is in full support of us moving in this direction. In addition, research is becoming an increasingly important component of zoos and aquariums. Having state-of-the-art equipment will allow BAMZ to contribute valuable information to the global database on animals.

"The item that all of this money is partly being given towards is our new Madagascar Exhibit which will front the new zoo infrastructure which will include our animal care facility . . . I'm excited about this. It's going to be absolutely fantastic.

"We're going to be highlighting the fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar, and a tremendous amount of species that are incredible to view (and) to understand...And behind this wonderful exhibit, which will have all these amazing animals, is our zoo hospital. As a veterinarian I'm very excited about this because it will provide us with very easy access to wonderful facilities."

BAMZ's last capital campaign, in 1990, raised over $5 million and funded several major exhibits including the 14,000-gallon North Rock tank and the Australasia and Caribbean exhibits. Campaign manager Rick Mello said he was hopeful that, 15 years later, the public would be equally generous ? $3.4 million has already been raised from private and corporate donors, including the $1.1 million Government grant.

"One-half of the campaign we expect will come from Government. The other half from the private sector, made up mostly of business and individuals," explained Mr. Mello. "I would like to appeal to all residents of Bermuda, to support (BAMZ) in our partnership for the future."