A master plan to modernise and expand the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo has been boosted by a “landmark” $1.5 million from RenaissanceRe.

The donation honours the 100th anniversary of BAMZ along with 50 years of the Bermuda Zoological Society.

RenaissanceRe has supported the BZS since 1998, and the society said the support marked a defining moment in the institutions’ shared history.

The windfall will advance the facility’s “phased, long-term vision to modernise, expand and evolve one of Bermuda’s most beloved environmental and cultural institutions”.

The public-private partnership between BAMZ and the BZS combines government and community support in education, conservation, research and community engagement.

A BZS spokeswoman said: “With BAMZ celebrating its centennial and BZS on the cusp of its 50th anniversary, this is a moment of extraordinary institutional momentum for our shared vision.

“Against that backdrop, RenaissanceRe’s gift exemplifies the enduring value of purposeful longstanding corporate support.”

RenaissanceRe’s support of the BZS extends back to 1998, across flagship programmes including Kids on the Reef and the development and support of the BZS Living Classroom on Trunk Island.

The firm is also the founding partner of the BZS microforest project.

The island’s international business community has helped to advance the shared mission of the BZS and BAMZ, with more than 70 per cent of their annual funding historically drawn from corporate contributions.

Bob Qutub, RenaissanceRe’s chief financial officer, highlighted the “special place in the community” held by the aquarium.

“For generations, residents and visitors have come to BAMZ to connect with the island’s natural environment, understand why it matters and be inspired to protect it.

“At RenaissanceRe, our purpose is to protect communities and enable prosperity, and we are proud to support institutions that educate, connect and create lasting impact in the communities where we live and work.”

Mr Qutub said the firm’s gift backing the master plan reflected the company’s “deep respect for the essential role BAMZ and BZS play in Bermuda, and our continued commitment to advancing environmental education, conservation and community impact for generations to come”.

RenaissanceRe was “profoundly” thanked by Philippe Bacon, the BZS president, for the “landmark gift” reflecting shared values in championing environmental education and conservation.

He said the commitment would be felt across “every dimension of our work for years to come”.

“As we celebrate 50 years of the Bermuda Zoological Society and the incredible 100 years of the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, this contribution stands as one of the most significant acts of corporate environmental stewardship for BZS and for our island.

“We are honoured by their trust and inspired to continue to honour their commitment through the work ahead.”

Ian Walker, the BAMZ principal curator, said the “extraordinary” gift came at “a profound moment in our history”.

Dr Walker added: “As we mark 100 years of the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, we are reminded that the work of conservation and education is never finished and it must be built upon, generation after generation.

“RenaissanceRe's generosity does exactly that. It is a direct investment in the BAMZ master plan and in our ability to serve Bermuda's people and natural environment for the next century.

“We are deeply grateful and we are energised by what this gift makes possible.”