Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo educational officer Mary Winchell yesterday told Hamilton Rotarians how children were flocking to see the Flatts attraction as the centre expanded its hands-on learning.

Mrs. Winchell said 700 children had attended the week-long summer programme last summer.

And 6,000 to 7,000 children a year attend classes at the centre -- which is around 60 percent of all school kids on the Island.

She said: "They had a lot of fun learning, but it has an impact on how they regard the environment.'' BAMZ encourages this by letting kids get to grips with exhibits.

They are allowed to handle live rabbits, cockatoos and small land turtles as well as examine dead exhibits such as whale skeletons and dog skulls.

"Teachers often warn us they are bringing rambunctious children, but once they get here and get their hands on things they start actively learning and it's surprising how well behaved they are,'' Mrs. Winchell said.

And it is not just the children who are learning -- teachers also flock to the BAMZ centre to learn how to get over elements of the school curriculum which the centre has an input in.

Educators from overseas also attend courses -- something the BAMZ is keen to encourage.

Education was at the heart of how the BAMZ operated, she added: "Even the person who sweeps up the waste knows about the aquarium and the natural history of Bermuda,'' she added.

The Hamilton Rotarians may be on the move. At yesterday's meeting they discussed having their Tuesday lunchtime meetings at the Surf Club. Some members had found the present location in the restaurant at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute inconvenient. A decision will be taken at next week's meeting.

BAMZ education director, Mary Winchell MUSEUM MUS