The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo will be closed to visitors from Monday through Thursday, the Ministry of Public Works and Environment announced.

The closure, which starts at noon on Monday, is to facilitate essential maintenance work on the North Rock tank, a ministry spokesman said.

The ministry said the remainder of the facility will be open to the public after 9am on Thursday.

In November, the ministry said the North Rock exhibit of BAMZ has been undergoing major restoration to ensure its long-term safety and integrity.

At the moment, continuing works will allow the future reseating of the tank’s large acrylic viewing windows.

The complex operation requires the use of cranes and other construction equipment operating from the facility’s front entrance, the spokesman said.

As such temporary closures are necessary while the work is under way to ensure the safety of visitors, staff and animals housed at the facility.

The ministry said owing to the nature of crane operations, all work is weather-dependent.

It said closure times may shift to avoid working during periods of elevated wind, and the public was asked for patience should schedules be required to be adjusted at short notice.

The ministry said additional short-term closures will be required in the months ahead as maintenance work continues.

The North Rock tank, which is off limits to visitors at the moment, is expected to reopen in April upon completion of the restoration project.

The ministry apologised for any inconvenience because of the closure next week and thanked the public for their understanding as works are carried out to ensure the long-term safety, integrity and quality of the facility.

The public were encouraged to visit the official communication channels of BAMZ, including its Facebook and Instagram accounts, for updates.