Share the Love of Wildlife this Valentine’s Day!

For $50, Symbolically adopt a baby rabbit or duck and receive a loveable plush as a special gift! Each adoption package includes: An Animal Adoption Certificate, Welcome Letter, Animal Fact Sheet, and Stuffed Animal. 

To adopt an animal and support our conservation efforts,
please email memberships@ardastra.com.

Interactive Tortoise Feeding Experience

Enjoy a presentation with an animal keeper while you feed, pet and groom our tortoises! Learn about these amazing creatures and their importance to our ecosystem!

$7/person. Experience takes place at 11:30 AM every day in our tortoise habitat. 

Hedley Edwards

About Ardastra

In the heart of Nassau, more than four acres of lush tropical gardens are inhabited by a variety of animal species, including the national bird of the Bahamas, the Caribbean flamingo. The site of Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre was originally designed by Jamaican horticulturalist Hedley Edwards in 1937. He named the gardens Ardastra, from the latin words ardua ad astra, meaning “striving towards the stars” because he felt that it depicted a ‘utopia of peace, beauty and tranquillity’.  He developed the picturesque and exotic gardens as a nature preserve, later bringing in the endangered Caribbean flamingo from the island of Inagua in the 1950’s, developing what was to become a highly successful breeding programme.  Over time, the birds were trained to perform for visitors and Ardastra became their permanent home.  

In 1980, the gardens were purchased by Norman Solomon, whose passion for wildlife and conservation education inspired him to incorporate more animals into the gardens and create a boutique zoo. Today, thousands of visitors visit annually to marvel at the tranquil, restorative gardens; enjoy close encounters with our collection of over 135 animals; and admire the long-legged flamingo beauties National Geographic has called “Ballerinas in Pink”. The opportunity to enjoy this rare gem will be a highlight for visitors of all ages. Ardastra Gardens depends on philanthropic support from the public to meet its operating needs and to fulfill its educational and conserving missions.

Community & Support

Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Centre depends on philanthropic support from the public to meet its operating needs and to fulfill its educational and conserving missions. 

Tourism Compliance Certificate –
Ministry of Tourism

Recognition as an Educational Facility –
Ministry of Education