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Public can see new zoo exhibit tomorrow

Madagascar Exhibit: HSBC CEO Philip Butterfield was joined by Public Works Minister Walter Roban and representatives from the Department of Conservation Services and BZS/BAMZ officially opened the new exhibit, "Madagascar: Land of Mystery and Wonder," at Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, in Flatts. Here a Fossa comes out to greet the people during the opening. (Photo by Akil Simmons)

A new exhibit in honour of the vast wildlife of Madagascar will officially open to the public at Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo tomorrow.‘Madagascar: Land of Mystery and Wonder’ boasts over a dozen species unique to the region including tomato frogs, ring-tailed lemurs and the fossa, a catlike species with a tail one and a half times its size.It is the first large new exhibit to be developed in a decade and was “years in the making”, according to principle curator Ian Walker, of BAMZ.Dr Walker said: “I think you all agree this display is a community asset that will be enjoyed by Bermudian families, schools and visitors to our Island.“Additionally the themes and messages in the exhibit will further assist the Bermuda Zoological Society’s educational programme.”He was joined today at an official unveiling by former Environment Minister Walter Roban; HSBC CEO Phil Butterfield, whose bank serves as lead sponsor for the exhibit; and BZS President Kevin Comeau.In addition to the new exhibit funded through $1.25 million in corporate and private donations a new “world-class” animal care centre has been opened.Some of the animals intended for the exhibit have not yet arrived, including the lemurs, snakes, chameleons, geckos, birdlike species called the teal and button quail.Visitors are still welcome to see other Madagascar-born species at the zoo, which is open daily from 9am until 4pm. BAMZ is also open tomorrow on Remembrance Day.

The new Madagascar exhibit