With power out across the Island and many struggling to cope with the extreme July heat without the comfort of air-conditioning, there were always going to be some receiving special treatment.

And that was the case at the Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo where one of its prize specimens ? the rare and cuddly-looking tree kangaroo ? spent the day cooled by his own private fan.

BAMZ's well rehearsed emergency plan went into action as soon as the power went, with the night watchman hitting the generator switch to keep the life support systems going and prevent any damage to fish, seals, flamingos and wombats.

"We knew what we had to do and we got it done," said curator Ian Walker, looking enviously across Flatts harbour at the overflowing Rustico's restaurant, a rare haven of power.

"There was never any danger to any of the creatures, the life support systems kept going.

"To be honest we could probably have actually opened but the problem would have been the bathrooms where flushing could put unnecessary strain on the generators. Other that we are in very good shape."

BAMZ shut for the day but Mr. Walker and his dedicated team were still prepared to go that extra mile for visitors, particularly those with a plane or ship to catch.

"We had to shut, it was are only option but we did end up making some exceptions," continued the jovial Walker who joked that he was furious with Belco as he had "just paid a big bill the night before".

"We had some tourists come by who were on the last day of the holiday and had been saving it to come here to see us," he said.

"We didn't want to let them down so we gave them the tour with a personal touch. I think it was the right thing to do and they really appreciated it. We never like to be closed, and were it not for the problems with the generators and the washrooms, we would have been only to happy to stay open.

"It's at times like this we have to really pull together on the Island and doing our bit to help the tourists on what must have been a hard day for them was the least we could do."

Although the majority of visitors were kept out and power was at a minimum at the award-winning facility, Mr. Walker and his team were keen not to waste the day.

"We were due to take the carpet up in the main aquarium hall overnight anyway," he said with a smile, while pointing at his staff, many of whom were on their knees in front of the tanks.

"So we figured we'd make a bit of a start on it. The guys and girls have been fantastic, they have been only too willing to give their time and, as you can see, we've made some pretty good progress on the carpet ? and I don't think the tourists minded too much walking around with the place like this."