The zoo at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo has been closed to the public to protect certain animals as a result of the spike in Covid-19 cases.

A government statement said some species in the zoo were vulnerable to the virus and needed to be protected.

As of Friday, Bermuda had recorded 124 active Covid-19 cases, 82 per cent of which were the highly virulent Delta variant.

Dr. Robbie Smith, acting principal curator, said: “Unfortunately, BAMZ still faces the same concerns regarding the health and welfare of our animals, as we have in previous instances where the facility has closed to the public, in response to rising SARS-Covid-19 cases in our community.”

He added: “Despite our staff being vaccinated, we still wish to protect our vulnerable animal populations from exposure to the virus during this current outbreak.

“We apologise to our patrons and ask for their understanding at this time as this action is being taken for the safety of the animals, members of the public who visit the zoo, and animal care staff.

“We look forward to opening the Zoo portion of the BAMZ and welcoming the public back as soon as we are safely able to do so.”