Close encounters of the feathery kind
Ardastra Gardens
Welcome to Ardastra Gardens! A wild garden and conservatory is unlike any other in the world.
Known for their 4 1/2 acres of beautiful lush tropical grounds, conservatory efforts to save endangered animals, and a world famous phenomenon once featured in National Geographic magazine…. marching flamingos.
Yes, marching flamingos!
Their incredible, famous, feathery flock marches and turns on command three times a day, to the delight of children and spectators from around the world.
We recently toured and explored the incredible garden and boutique zoo to learn more about their Bahamian pink princesses, as well as Ardastra’s conservatory efforts.
Opened in 1937 by horticulturalist Hedley Edwards, Ardastra Gardens and Zoo was born from his vision of creating a nature preserve for Bahamians and visitors alike.
The preserve grew into a conservation center when the Bahamian government brought Caribbean flamingoes in for a breeding program. The government wanted to ensure the birds’ species future for years to come on the island.
A Secret Sign
Upon entering the zoo you are immersed in a beautiful, lush, tropical garden. The paths are draped in palm trees and vines, and are bursting in brilliant color.
Lil Kid with a one of the many parrots
Home to not only the marching flamingos, the first and only zoo in the Bahamas is home to over 135 birds, animals, and reptiles. It’s a wild experience!
From jaguars and lemurs, to iguanas and turtles, to even a petting zoo with goats and bunnies, there is a wide range of animals at this boutique zoo.
But really Ardastra is for the birds, as they are known best for their feathery friends! Aside from their famous flamingos, there are a large number of water fowl, ducks, swans, and peacocks that roam freely. Parrots and their famous macaws, Salvador and Toby, are perched throughout the park.
For an up close experience, Ardastra offers lory parrot feedings and experiences throughout the day as well!
The fun directionals located throughout the gardens
Or just follow the pink plastic birds!
Tropical forest!
Walking through the 4 1/2 acres of lush tropical plants and vegetation is absolutely surreal. The wild, natural flora and grounds are breathtaking. An experience as if you have walked right into a tropical jungle, sounds of animals surround you at every angle. Many of the plants are labeled with a sign or plaque for further discovery.
Double feathery fun!
This way to the flamingos!
Flamingo crossing!
Because of Ardastra’s unique natural setting, many of the animals, birds, and reptiles are allowed to freely roam the park. You can easily find a peacock or pink flamingo at your feet, and have a close encounter of the feathery kind!
Lil Kid admiring the feathery flock!
The Bahamaian national bird was headed for extinction in the 1950’s due to over hunting when the government stepped in and passed a law forbidding the hunting of the birds.
Today, the future of the flamingo is bright, the population of this once endangered bird is healthy and flourishing. Numbered at about 70,000 birds, the Bahamas has one of the greatest breeding populations, on the protected Great Inagua park.
Ardastra also has a breeding group of flamingos, who begin their courtship late summer; prepare their nesting site in the spring and begin laying eggs at the end of March.
The ballerina beauties!
Flamingos are famous for their habit of standing and sleeping on one leg, with the second tucked next to their body.
Seeing these birds up close and personal was such an amazing experience.
Long Leg View!
Sitting with the long legged beauties before the show!
Flamingo friends
Standing with our new feathery friends. The birds are friendly and comfortable around people.
Flamingos everywhere!
Ardastra is home to many flamingos! We learned that their pink color comes from the rich sources of carotenoid pigments (like the pigments of carrots) in the algae and small crustaceans that the birds eat. Without this diet, the birds would be white.
Time for the show
The March of the Flamingos! The birds parade into a small fenced in ring to start the show.
The flamingos with their trainer
Ready to flout their feathers!
Flamingos on parade
The flock of feathery friends line up, march back and forth, and turn on command from their trainer. Such brilliant birds!
An announcer engadges the crowd during the show. We learn fun facts about the incredible birds, and the conservation efforts to help the population thrive.
A fun experience!
Standing with the pink princesses
After the show, guests are invited to stand amongst the birds for a picture opportunity.
A Leg Up!
Lil Kid trying his best one-legged flamingo stance!
Lil Kid, Tall Flamingo
Standing amongst the long legged beauties!
Flamingo Crossing
After the show, the flamingos walk back to their grassy perch, unassisted.
Such an incredible experience!
Thank you Ardastra! We hope our paths cross again.
Ardastra Gardens is located in the heart of Nassau, and a short taxi, or bus ride from most Nassau or Paradise Island hotels in the Bahamas.
The Gardens and Zoo is open 9-5, seven days a week.
More on Ardastra Gardens HERE
Shoes – Vans
Lil Kid’s Flamingo Shorts, Hat – Children’s Place
