The 2009 Miss Universe Contestants kicked off their pre-pageant itinerary in Nassau at Ardastra Gardens & Zoo on August 5, 2009. The eighty plus contestants enjoyed the morning interacting with the world-famous marching flamingoes and many of our other exotic animals, including the Bahamian Boa. The contestants were accompanied by the beautiful children of the Children’s Emergency Hostel in Nassau who were also treated to lunch at the Zoo.