News Releases

Unearthing Wonders at The UWI St. Augustine's Zoology Museum

For Release Upon Receipt - August 17, 2023

St. Augustine


  undefinedFrom Left, Jacob Whiby of the Department of Life Sciences Students gives students a tour of The UWI Zoology Museum

ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago. August 16, 2023 – Scores of curious children from across the country stepped into a world where history and excitement collided, at the natural history tours organized by The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine Campus' Zoology Museum. Among the many interesting exhibitions and artefacts that garnered the most attention was the museum’s display of one of the oldest skeletons in the West Indies. The enigmatic Banwari man/woman which was just one of the captivating artefacts among an array of treasures that the museum proudly houses and that awaited curious minds of all ages. 

As the July/August vacation kicked into gear, the Department of Life Sciences at the Faculty of Science and Technology, in partnership with the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST), invited children’s camps and school groups to experience natural history tours of The UWI Zoology Museum. The response was nothing short of overwhelming, with tours on the 24th, 25th, 27th, and 28th of July all being completely booked! 

These immersive tours were designed to be an educational extravaganza, enriching the young minds of our future trailblazers. Tailored for groups of ten or more children ages 6 to 13 years, the tours brought the great outdoors to life as children embarked on a journey through The UWI Museum, explored insect collections, and delighted in the wonders of the new butterfly enclosure, all while absorbing the fascinating insights into the history and intricacies of various animal species. 

Under the watchful eye of responsible chaperones, these budding scientists got up close and personal with nature, nurturing a passion for learning that's as boundless as the exhibits themselves. The Zoology Museum's natural history tours are yet another testament to The UWI's commitment to fostering knowledge, curiosity, and a love for the wonders that surround us.

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undefinedMr. Zaahir Hosein, Instructor, Department of Life Sciences and students interact with a preserved shark teeth specimen at The UWI Zoology Museum

In center, Cyran Benjamin, Postgraduate Student, Department of Life Sciences and students look at some insect specimens on display at The UWI Zoology Museum

Ato Mendoza, Postgraduate Student, Department of Life Sciences and students interact with a preserved specimen of a manicou (opossum) at The UWI Zoology Museum 

Ms. Josann Green of The Marketing and Communications Office, The UWI St. Augustine Campus interacts with the marine exhibit at The UWI Zoology museum. At right is Mr. Rajindra Mahabir of the Department of Life Sciences

About The University of the West Indies 

The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for the past 75 years. 

From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe. 

The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world. 

The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in the World University Rankings, it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

2023 marks The UWI’s 75th anniversary. The Diamond jubilee milestone themed “UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.” features initiatives purposely designed and aligned to reflect on the past, confront the present, and articulate plans for the future of the regional Un

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