a new tree kangaroo born last May.

The young male "joey,'' which is what all young baby tree kangaroos are called, was born to proud parents Tess and Kabuli.

BAMZ is asking children aged 12 years and younger to think up a name and give reasons why they have chosen that name.

All entries must be submitted by January 31 and the winner will receive complimentary family membership in the Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS), a plush tree-kangaroo-with-joey toy, the National Geographic Animal Encyclopedia, and the opportunity to come to BAMZ with up to ten family members or friends for a behind-the-scenes tour, including a visit with the tree kangaroos.

To enter, send your suggestion, as well as the name and age of the child, and a contact number and address to: Name the "Joey'' Contest, Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, Marketing Department, P.O. Box FL 145, Flatts, FL BX.

Entries may also be faxed to 293-4014 or brought to the BAMZ Front Desk.

The tree kangaroo is amoung the most brilliantly coloured of the marsupials (animals with pouches to carry their young).

They have markings that are coloured red or mahogany brown, white and yellow.

The marsupials come from the mountainous Australian rain forests and can jump remarkable distances without injury.

They shelter in trees but frequently descend to the ground to feed.

ISLAND'S BEACHES COMMENDED NJ SUR Island's beaches commended Readers of a prestigious international tourism magazine have confirmed what Bermudians have always known - the Island's pink sands are the most special in the world.

Subscribers to Islands magazine have rated the sands in Bermuda and those in Hawaii as the most colourful in the world.

The results are contained in the December issue of the US-based magazine, which is published eight times a year.

The edition also contains a feature on the serenity of the Island's beaches by columnist Mary Schmich, and an article on Bermuda roofs by former Bermuda Sun editor Tom Vesey.

Describing a visit to Horseshoe Beach, Ms Schmich writes: "As a gold glow settles over the darkening sand and water, I feel inspired to ring the airline and say I'm staying a few more days.'' The readers found the best surfing beaches were in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Australia, and Fiji.

Waikiki, Miami Beach, Aruba, Sydney and St. Martin were voted the best city beaches, while the most romantic beaches were Oahu, St. Martin, Bora-Bora, Maui, Jamaica, Kauai, Moorea, St. Lucia, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos and Aruba.

Palm Island, Bora-Bora, Fiji, and Tahiti topped the poll as the most exotic beaches, while Cancun, St. Martin, Waikiki, Miami South Beach, Matinique, and Aruba were rated best for girl /guy watching.

Party animals said the best nightlife was in Cancun, Negril, Cayman Islands, Aruba, the British Virgin Islands, and Key West.

The most photogenic beaches were Kauai, British Virgin islands, Hawaii, Bora-Bora, and Guadeloupe, while the top people-watching spots were Waikiki, Miami South Beach, St. Martin, Jamaica, Key West and the Bahamas.