Adoption Special!

From now until May 30th, all cats and kittens are two-for-one.

Adopt the first at $15 (cat) or $25 (kitten), and select a companion free!

Most people know meerkats from the character Timon in "The Lion King" animated movie, and now two -- one male and one female -- of the furry mammals native to Madagascar, call the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre home.
You can be the first to see the animals, and the opportunity to name the lovable creatures on Sunday when the new meerkat exhibition is officially opened to the public. The exhibit opening that welcomes in the month of March takes place at 2 p.m. at the zoo and conservation center. The person who gives the winning names will win a prize.

"We've had meerkats before, but these are new meerkats, and we have a new home for them at the zoo, and we're launching them to the public," said Beverly Turnquest, marketing manager at Ardastra.

During the opening, animal curator James Traverse will be give a talk on the meerkat and where the animal comes from. It's an unveiling Turnquest said would appeal to children and their parents.

"Ardastra is very popular, particularly with school groups and school children [and] when you go out, a lot of kids say 'Oh we've been to Ardastra and you know the human nature, been there done that, but what's very important to let them know is that we're continuously looking to bring in new animals for their enjoyment and educational purposes. And if you don't want to travel to Madagascar to see them, you can just come to the Ardastra," she said.

Meerkat paw print painting will also be done on the day.

While the unveiling will be a short event as it is being held on Sunday, Turnquest said guests are free to stay and enjoy the flamingo show and the Lorrie parrot feeding or do a self-tour. The event will start at 2 p.m. It's a very short event as it's on Sunday, but guests are free to stay on property to do a self tour, to enjoy our flamingo (that roam the zoo freely) show and the lorie parrot feeding encounter.

"There are about 153 different animals [a mix of birds, mammals and reptiles at the four-acre property] so there is quite a bit to see actually," said the marketing manager.

Prior to this weekend's unveiling, the last exhibition to be unveiled at Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre was the domestic pigs also known as teacup pigs exhibit on January 10. The teacup piggies don't grow to the full size of a hog, and as an adult, they usually weigh about 30 pounds, which is small for pigs.

The cost for entrance into the meerkats exhibition is $10 adults, and $5 children up to age 11. Funds raised from the unveiling go towards caring for the meerkats, the doctor bills and their food.

 

THE second installment of the mass spay and neuter project known as Operation Potcake was officially a huge success, with 1,220 animals fixed in just five days. “It was absolutely amazing to see the Bahamian community come together with so many foreign volunteers, who came to our country at their own expense, to do something so meaningful.” BHS president Kim Aranha...

THE second installment of the mass spay and neuter project known as Operation Potcake was officially a huge success, with 1,220 animals fixed in just five days.

“It was absolutely amazing to see the Bahamian community come together with so many foreign volunteers, who came to our country at their own expense, to do something so meaningful.” BHS president Kim Aranha...

 

 

Raising over $27,000 from a spirited live auction, raffle draw and ‘fund-aneed’ donations, the inaugural Baark! (Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rightsand Kindness) ‘Purple Paws’ event was a resounding success. The purple themed evening held on April 27th at The Ocean Club Estates BeachClub, was hugely anticipated and a sell out event. Upon arrival each person was given a purple bidding paddle in the shape of a paw print. Atlantis singer Alia Coley serenaded guests as they enjoyed cocktails and tasty cuisine by sunset inthe stunning location.

Attendees eagerly lined up to play the highly entertaining “Heads or Tails” gamewhere participants had to put their hands on their head or on their ‘tail’ before atossed coin landed. Benefit auctioneer ‘GalaGal’ Jenelle Talyor led theproceedings for the enthusiastic bidders. Happy auction winners came away withmagnificent prizes ranging from a Pink Sands getaway, Michael Buble tickets, pampering spa packages and beautiful artwork specially painted for the event.Over 40 items were generously donated by local Bahamian business. The event was presented by Odyssey Aviation Bahamas and sponsored byThink Simple, Graham Real Estate, Asa H Pritchard and Happy Pets Animal Hospital. 

Steven Kelly, Odyssey Aviation Bahamas President said “We alwayslike to support organizations that make a tangible difference, and we can’t say enough about the incredibly effective work Baark! does. The various community activities & education programs are all encompassing, ongoing and vital to ahealthy Bahamas.”Brass Monkey Bahamas contributed “we are always delighted to help Baark! by donating our light and sound services to enhance their events. As a team wework together not only to produce a great fundraiser but to make sure all guest shave a good time and leave with a smile on their faces. We are honored to support Baark! in their endeavors" Shawn Sawyer, President of Cacique International who provided chic décor for the occasion added “We are so proud and happy to have been a part of such a wonderful evening! We are already anticipating next year’s event”.

All proceeds from the event will go towards Baark’s Spay/Neuter and education programs all over the Bahamas. Baark! volunteers have recently returned from Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera and Cockburn Town, San Salvador where they carried out weekend spay/neuter clinics and sterilized 108 and 74 animals respectively. Baark! has already provided over 400 free or subsidized spay and neuters for dogs and cats this year alone. Laura Kimble, Baark! President said “though we live in uncertain economic times, local business generously supported our cause with donations of terrific prizes. In return guests dug deep into their pockets to bid and came away with some greatand original items.

We are so grateful to all our donors and supporters. Thesuccess of the event is a great reflection of the hard work put in by the organizing committee and volunteers on the night. The money raised will be a huge boost toour continued work both in Nassau and the family islands.” Baark! encourages all pet owners to spay/neuter both their dogs and cats . Baark! can help with financing or transportation for low income families. If you would like to learn more, volunteer or ask questions visit their websitewww.baarkbahamas.org or call 427-SPAY (7729)ENDS For further information please contact Laura Kimble 424-4411 laura@baarkbahamas.org Notes to editor Baark! is a non-profit, volunteer group.

Our Mission is to carry out spay/neuter and education projects to reduce the homeless animal population and end the suffering of dogs and cats in The Bahamas.Spay and Neuter is the only proven humane method in reducing stray and roaminganimal populations and in turn needless suffering. Our programs provide free orsubsidized spays and neuters of cats and dogs . Baark! strongly believes in partneringand working together with members of each community in order to spread the accountability, education and to have a lasting impact. The government pound is still of concern, and Baark! members are working with other animal advocates to implement theAnimal Control Act committee which will give the animal welfare groups influence in theoperations of the Canine Control Unit. More information can be found on our website www.baarkbahamas.org

 

Nassau, The Bahamas, May 8th 2013 : For immediate release “Purple Paws” Live Auction Success for Non-Profit Group Baark! Raising over $27,000 from a spirited live auction, raffle draw and ‘fund-aneed’ donations, the inaugural Baark! (Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness) ‘Purple Paws’ event was a resounding success. The purple themed evening held on April 27th at The Ocean Club Estates Beach Club, was hugely anticipated and a sell out event. Upon arrival each person was given a purple bidding paddle in the shape of a paw print. Atlantis singer Alia Coley serenaded guests as they enjoyed cocktails and tasty cuisine by sunset in the stunning location. Attendees eagerly lined up to play the highly entertaining “Heads or Tails” game where participants had to put their hands on their head or on their ‘tail’ before a tossed coin landed. Benefit auctioneer ‘GalaGal’ Jenelle Talyor led the proceedings for the enthusiastic bidders. Happy auction winners came away with magnificent prizes ranging from a Pink Sands getaway, Michael Buble tickets, pampering spa packages and beautiful artwork specially painted for the event. Over 40 items were generously donated by local Bahamian business. The event was presented by Odyssey Aviation Bahamas and sponsored by Think Simple, Graham Real Estate, Asa H Pritchard and Happy Pets Animal Hospital. Steven Kelly, Odyssey Aviation Bahamas President said “We always like to support organizations that make a tangible difference, and we can’t say enough about the incredibly effective work Baark! does. The various community activities & education programs are all encompassing, ongoing and vital to a healthy Bahamas.” Brass Monkey Bahamas contributed “we are always delighted to help Baark! by donating our light and sound services to enhance their events. As a team we work together not only to produce a great fundraiser but to make sure all guests have a good time and leave with a smile on their faces. We are honored to support Baark! in their endeavors" Shawn Sawyer, President of Cacique International who provided chic décor for the occasion added “We are so proud and happy to have been a part of such a wonderful evening! We are already anticipating next year’s event”. All proceeds from the event will go towards Baark’s Spay/Neuter and education programs all over the Bahamas. Baark! volunteers have recently returned from Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera and Cockburn Town, San Salvador where they carried out weekend spay/neuter clinics and sterilized 108 and 74 animals respectively. Baark! has already provided over 400 free or subsidized spay and neuters for dogs and cats this year alone. Laura Kimble, Baark! President said “though we live in uncertain economic times, local business generously supported our cause with donations of terrific prizes. In return guests dug deep into their pockets to bid and came away with some great and original items. We are so grateful to all our donors and supporters. The success of the event is a great reflection of the hard work put in by the organizing committee and volunteers on the night. The money raised will be a huge boost to our continued work both in Nassau and the family islands.” Baark! encourages all pet owners to spay/neuter both their dogs and cats . Baark! can help with financing or transportation for low income families. If you would like to learn more, volunteer or ask questions visit their website www.baarkbahamas.org or call 427-SPAY (7729) ENDS For further information please contact Laura Kimble 424-4411 laura@baarkbahamas.org Notes to editor Baark! is a non-profit, volunteer group . Our Mission is to carry out spay/neuter and education projects to reduce the homeless animal population and end the suffering of dogs and cats in The Bahamas. Spay and Neuter is the only proven humane method in reducing stray and roaming animal populations and in turn needless suffering. Our programs provide free or subsidized spays and neuters of cats and dogs . Baark! strongly believes in partnering and working together with members of each community in order to spread the accountability, education and to have a lasting impact. The government pound is still of concern, and Baark! members are working with other animal advocates to implement the Animal Control Act committee which will give the animal welfare groups influence in the operations of the Canine Control Unit. More information can be found on our website www.baarkbahamas.org