The Bermuda Zoological Society has won an international award for its restoration work on an island.

The US-based Association of Zoos and Aquariums singled out the Living Classroom project by BZS, the major support charity for the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, on Trunk Island off Hamilton Parish.

Joanne Chisnall, the BZS volunteer officer, said: “We are proud of the hours given by our volunteers, our Weekend Warriors, our corporate donors and members.

“A restoration plan that was projected to take many, many years is 50 per cent completed.”

The goal of the project was to restore Trunk Island to its original state and to create the Living Classroom through the eradication of invasive plants and their replacement with native species

The work included reforestation of the island with Bermuda cedars.

Volunteers also helped in the transformation of a cottage on the island into a classroom.

AZA recognised the achievements of more than 20 member bodies in conservation, education, research, exhibit design, marketing, diversity, research, and volunteer engagement at the virtual AZA annual conference last month.

Dan Ashe, the AZA president and chief executive, said: “In these unprecedented times, I am glad we could convene and honour the outstanding achievements of the distinguished leaders in our profession.

“Their contributions and mentorship have inspired all within the accredited zoo and aquarium community to advance AZA’s mission of creating a world where all people respect, value, and conserve wildlife and wild places.”

BZS volunteers gave a total of 5,024 hours to conservation work last year.