a hotelier to animals during a hurricane.

Robin Marirea became the zookeeper following his graduation in 1992 from St.

Mary's University at Halifax, Nova Scotia where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree.

He specialises in exhibit design and construction and all aspects of animal husbandry within the zoo. He has paid particular attention to the care and breeding of the reptile collection.

Mr. Marirea graduated from City and Guilds Animal Management Course in 1997 and participated in the Hong Kong Biodiversity Survey during the summer of 1995.

During the summer of 1989 he assisted the Bermuda government veterinarian with work on feline AIDS, followed by two summers of assisting the Senior Fisheries Officer with various research projects.

Mr. Marirea is an animal expert and knows all about their likes and dislikes.

He supervises the various diets of all the species and just like people liking different kinds of food, so do the animals.

The Scarlet Macaw and the Blue and Yellow Macaw enjoy their fruits, berries, seeds and vegetable matter while the Caribbean Flamingos feed on algae, shrimp and other minute aquatic life from which they get their colour.

Asked what happens to the animals during a hurricane, he explained there are different plans for different animals.

"Take for example the Caribbean Flamingo,'' he said. "They are wading birds with long legs and pink feathers. They take care of themselves by bunkering down as if in the nesting position and staying close to each other. Some will hover under the bushes and trees. Right now several flamingos are nesting eggs. In the wild they gather in large flocks around salt lakes.

Helping animals in hurricanes "The seals, small turtles, Galapagos tortoises, otters and the 350-pound alligator remain in their water habitats.

"The peacocks wander about under the bushes. The birds in the outside aviary, parrots and such will be moved into the Australasia Aviary Building.

"And we always remember our wounded critters who are caged. We have a barn owl with a injured foot now; he would be moved to our animal hospital in the event of a hurricane. Once he's healed, he will probably be set free.

"Smaller caged animals such as the Ring-tailed Lemurs would be transferred into their specific places in the Australasia Building. Lemurs are a large group of primates, called Prosimians found exclusively on the island of Madagascar off east coast Africa. We put them in each night,'' explained Mr.

Marirea.

He added: "Lemurs make sounds similar to a cat's purr and they eat mainly fruit, flowers, leaves and tree bark.'' The Zoo staff have a written hurricane plan which dictates: "Twelve hours before a hurricane is suppose to hit, certain animals -- those that might be stressed by the storms/those that might pose a problem to the environment or community if they escaped, and those difficult to catch are brought in.'' The Australasia Building becomes the animal hotel during hurricanes, storms or gales and staff are there to serve on a 24-hour basis. The guests aren't bothered about not having fresh clothes; however, it is imperative that they receive food, water, clean living environment and nurturing.

Bathing occurs at the animal hotel. In the rainforest parrots are always able to bathe. In captivity they can be given a large tray of warm water to splash in, be sprayed two times per week or even take a shower with you.

"All the water activity keeps their feathers in good condition,'' concluded Mr. Marirea.

Robin Marirea.

SAFE AND SOUND -- During a hurricane, small animals at The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo such as the `Ring-tailed Lemurs would be transferred to the Australasia Building. If they called `room service', they would order fruit, flowers and leaves.

TENDS FOR HIMSELF -- The Aquarium's 350-pound alligator is left outdoors during storms.

IN THE PINK -- Caribbean Flamingo, pink wading birds, huddle together during storms.

Robin Marirea Graphic file name: MARIRE HURRICANES HUR