Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre

New Providence Region

75/10090 min

Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre is a unique wildlife sanctuary located in the heart of Nassau, Bahamas. Spanning over four acres of tropical gardens, it is home to a diverse collection of animal species, including the national bird of the Bahamas, the Caribbean flamingo. The gardens were originally designed in 1937 by Jamaican horticulturalist Hedley Edwards, who envisioned a peaceful and beautiful utopia, reflected in the Latin name "Ardastra," meaning "striving towards the stars." In the 1950s, Edwards introduced endangered Caribbean flamingos from Inagua and developed a successful breeding program. Today, visitors can enjoy interactive experiences such as flamingo shows, rabbit feeding, and tortoise feeding presentations, all designed to educate about wildlife conservation. The centre also runs environmental summer camps for children, promoting sustainable living and ecological awareness. Ardastra Gardens blends botanical beauty with wildlife conservation, making it a compelling destination for families and nature enthusiasts alike.

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Consejo: Visit during the cooler months for comfortable weather and attend special events like the Easter EGGstravaganza for unique experiences. Booking interactive animal feeding experiences in advance is recommended. Discounts are available for members and children. The centre offers educational summer camps that require prior registration.

Datos interesantes

  • The name 'Ardastra' derives from Latin words meaning 'striving towards the stars'.
  • Ardastra is home to the national bird of the Bahamas, the Caribbean flamingo, which was introduced in the 1950s.
  • The gardens cover more than four acres of lush tropical landscape in Nassau.
  • Ardastra runs a successful flamingo breeding program and trains flamingos to perform for visitors.
  • The centre offers daily interactive experiences such as rabbit and tortoise feeding sessions.

Historia

1937

Ardastra Gardens was established in 1937 by Hedley Edwards, who created the gardens as a nature preserve.

In the 1950s, Edwards introduced Caribbean flamingos from Inagua and initiated a breeding program that became the centre's hallmark.

1980

In 1980, Norman Solomon acquired the gardens, expanding its focus on wildlife conservation and education.

Over the decades, Ardastra has evolved from a private garden into the only wildlife conservation centre in the Bahamas, emphasizing both preservation and interactive visitor engagement.

Guía del lugar

1
Flamingo Show

A popular daily event where trained Caribbean flamingos perform entertaining routines, showcasing their unique behaviors and the centre's conservation efforts.

2
Tropical Gardens1937
Hedley Edwards

Over four acres of lush tropical plants and trees that provide a serene environment and natural habitat for the animals.

3
Rabbit Feeding Experience

An interactive session where visitors can feed and learn about the care of rabbits, held daily at 2:30 PM.

4
Tortoise Feeding Experience

Visitors can feed, pet, and groom tortoises while learning about their ecological importance during a presentation by an animal keeper, held daily at 11:30 AM.

Contacto

Teléfono: (242) 323-5806