Ardastra is home to nearly 300 mammals, birds and reptiles - many of them endangered species of the Caribbean and South America.
Have a look at some of our
conservation efforts.
Visitors are often treated to encounters with Bahamian boa constrictors, raptors and parrots, as their trainers walk them on the pathways.
Among some of the other inhabitants of the gardens that populate the exhibits and ponds, are fresh water turtles, a Great Horned Owl named Shadow (delivered as an injured bird, who would not have survived without care), Lulubelle, the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig with a wry and dry sense of humor, Madagascar lemurs, monkeys and two jaguar sisters, Sasha and Sheeba. Because of the natural setting of the zoo and gardens, many birds are free to roam and it is not unusual to see a peacock at your feet, proudly strutting and fluffing his feathers. You can even take the opportunity to be photographed with many of our animals - including flamingos, Lory parrots, a Blue and Gold Macaw named ‘Salvador’ and his side-kick ‘Toby’ the Moluccan Cockatoo and whomever else you may encounter on one of our pathways.
Photogallery of many animals found within Ardastra Gardens
Enriching the lives of our animals
In the past people did not regard animals as sentient beings with having both physical and emotional needs. As a result, captive animals spent much of their time utterly bored. Captive wildlife facilities have now expanded their definition of care to include the animals’ mental state. Animals deserve an environment that is rich in social opportunity, mental stimulation, and physical challenges, hence the term environmental enrichment.
Ardastra is always seeking new ways to enrich the lives of its animals. From puzzle feeders, noise making toys, kiddie pools, paper mache balls with treats, frozen or jell-o treats, spraying scents to just a simple cardboard box are just some of the favourite "toys" enjoyed by the animals here at Ardastra. The public are always encouraged to get involved with Ardastra's enrichment program. Many items around the house that will eventually be thrown away can bring enrichment into an animal's life. Please
contact the zoo to see how you can bring a "smile" to the face of an animal.
Photogallery of some of the animals having fun!
Want to learn about animals? Check out the Ardastra Educational resources!
