Ardastra zoo dedicates much of its time, expertise and resources not only promoting conservation, but also actively working with programs to ensure the survival of many endangered species.

By providing a sanctuary and survival center for the plants and animals of the world's vanishing natural habitats, Ardastra can help visitors and researchers learn more about these creatures, while giving them a chance to flourish and breed in a near natural setting.

Below is some information on some of the endangered animals Ardastra is working with:

Caribbean Flamingo

The Caribbean flamingo is the national bird of the Bahamas and defines what most visitors remember most about Ardastra. They perform humorously and with great precise formation, to the instructions of the drill sergeant three times per day.
Part of the genus Phoenicopterus, this delicate-looking bird takes its name from the mythological Phoenix that was reborn from its own ashes. The Bahamas has the world’s largest breeding colony of Caribbean flamingoes and they can be found on the Southern-most island called Great Inagua.
Ardastra Gardens is proudly breeding Caribbean flamingos and today there are 58 flamingos roaming the zoo, allowing easy photography of these magnificent birds. Once Ardastra Gardens reaches full capacity, we will be able to trade and sell these flamingoes to other zoos and prevent wild populations from being disturbed. (...learn more about flamingos)

Bahamian Rock Iguana

The Bahamian Rock Iguanas are the largest Caribbean lizards with bumpy faces only a mother could love!
Found in only a few isolated places in the Bahamas, these fascinating and prehistoric creatures are mostly plant eaters - unusual for reptiles.
All seven subspecies are endangered. The rarest of the subspecies has fewer than 250 individuals left in the wild. Bahamian iguanas are endangered because of habitat loss, introduced species and hunting. Ardastra Gardens exhibits the San Salvador iguana and is looking to the future to secure a few females for our males. (...learn more about iguanas)

Bahamian Boa Constrictor

These medium-sized snakes are striking with their brown scales tinged with wisps of iridescent purple, green, yellow and blue. Unfortunately, they are threatened species due to persecution by humans. Often they are killed when they are found in backyards and tool sheds merely because people are frightened of them. However, there are NO venomous snakes in the Bahamas and Bahamian Boas help control the immense rodent population in the Bahamas, therefore helping to control the spread of diseases. Snake education is a priority for Ardastra Gardens and it is our hope to help snakes and humans co-habitat peacefully. (...learn more about snakes)

Bahama Parrot

Once so plentiful that Columbus wrote in his log that flocks 'darkened the sky', the colorful Bahama Parrot is found on only two of the 700 islands of the country, Great Inagua and Abaco. Recent counts have put the total number of these birds under 3000.
For the first time in history, three hatchlings were born in captivity at Ardastra Gardens in the early 1990’s. Nurtured by Ardastra staff who, like surrogate mothers, took them home and hand fed them, the babies were returned to Ardastra and reunited with their natural mother after the initial danger period.
Today, all three survive, along with their mother and a rehabilitation female (she is unable to return to the wild due to a broken wing), bringing a ray of hope for the survival of the species. However, all of our Bahama parrots are related and in order to breed more, we must obtain more individuals from Inagua. We have lobbied for an extensive breeding program and are waiting for a response from the government. Unfortunately, this breeding program has been put on hold but we do exhibit them for educational purposes and have hopes for a breeding and release program in the future. (...learn more about parrots)