Jayden Parker Named 2025 Rhodes Scholar

Jayden Parker, a BAMZ volunteer, is the 2025 Rhodes Scholar and will study Biodiversity, Conservation and Nature Recovery at the University of Oxford.

A BZS spokesperson said, “Since an early age, Jayden Parker’s dream has been to work with animals. Like many young Bermudians, he enjoyed spending time at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo [BAMZ], and at 14 he began dedicating his time and enthusiasm in numerous areas through both Bermuda Zoological Society [BZS] and BAMZ in various capacities gaining as much knowledge in the field from the experts.

“Late last year it was announced that Mr Parker was selected as the 2025 Rhodes Scholar to pursue a fully-funded postgraduate degree at Oxford University. There he intends to study for a degree in Biodiversity, Conservation and Nature Recovery as well a second degree in Environmental Change and Management, following his graduation from the University of Guelph this coming April with a BSc Honours in Biomedical Sciences.

“Mr Parker began at the age of 14 as a BZS Junior Volunteer where he spent time learning about the behind the scenes at the Aquarium and Zoo as well as getting the opportunity to attend various international expeditions, including to the Galapagos.”

“That trip was absolutely incredible,” Mr Parker recalls. “I was young, so some of the memories are fading, but some are still incredibly vivid, including working with sea lions, marine iguanas and working at a Galapagos tortoise sanctuary. I had hardly travelled at all at that time in my life, so that was incredibly life changing.”

The spokesperson said, “After his return from that transformative trip, he was then selected as a Junior Staff Member, where he worked for four years at BAMZ. In 2022, he was selected as one of the BZS Ernest E. Stempel Summer Interns and after completing the six-week internship, he worked at BAMZ through the Government Summer Employment Programme [SEP]. Each experience creating lasting impressions that solidified his career path.

“This past summer, Mr Parker worked closely with BAMZ Animal Care and Quarantine Officer Roma Hayward helping with the rehabilitation of local Bermuda wildlife, and with BAMZ Curator Patrick Talbot on research surveys of Longtails on Trunk Island through the SEP. Part of the work also included releasing rehabilitated longtails back into the wild.”

Mr Parker says, “That has been my favourite part as it’s probably the closest to my desired career path. My favourite part is working in rehabilitation. I love working with the animals and then actually getting to be there when they are released.”

The spokesperson said, “As part of the application process for the Rhodes Scholarship, Mr Parker wrote about his involvement releasing a rehabilitated Longtail from Nonsuch Island this summer.”

“That was an incredible experience and such a rewarding opportunity – I loved that,” Mr Parker said.

The spokesperson said, “Mr Parker credits years of involvement and the relationships he has built with the dedicated teams at BAMZ and BZS for ensuring that the kid with the big dreams and love for animals would see success. He also recalls spending time with his grandparents who had a BZS Membership allowing unlimited visits to BAMZ when he was young.”

Mr Parker says, “It goes to show how important an institution like this [BAMZ] is in inspiring people who want to follow a similar path. We need spaces like this to continue to inspire people.”

Roma Hayward, BAMZ Animal Care and Quarantine Officer, has worked closely with Mr Parker for many years. She says that Both BZS and BAMZ staff encourage students – from primary to university – through many areas helping to navigate them through their studies and provide hands-on experience that helps them to achieve their goals. She adds, “As long as I have known Jayden, he has been self-motivated and driven. I’m incredibly proud of his academic achievements so far, and I know that it is not the last we’ve heard from him – he is capable of accomplishing whatever he sets his mind to!”

The spokesperson said, “While he plans to pursue becoming a vet, like many who have inspired him, he also wants to equip himself with the tools to make the most meaningful environmental impact.”

Mr Parker said, “It is important to have the multidisciplinary understanding and have the tool set of understanding conservation policy. That and working as a vet go hand in hand, and what better way to make a difference.

“It was not a path I thought I would have been interested in, but the people who I have had the opportunity to work with who were so passionate and knowledgeable have really helped to open up this whole new world for me. I’ve felt so lucky to be surrounded by the most amazing people.”

Dr Ian Walker, Principal Curator of BAMZ, said, “Jayden is a prime example of the students that come through BAMZ and BZS and get inspired through our programmes. This is why we do the work we do to inspire the next generation and encourage them to continue to carry on the baton. We wish Jayden every success and welcome him back in the future.”

The spokesperson said, “For those inspired by Mr Parker’s journey, and wish to pursue an animal or environmental-related career, they can find out more information about BZS and BAMZ Internships by visiting https://bzs.bm/learn/adult-and-young-adult-programmes/internships-and-scholarships.

“The closing date for applications is 1 February 2025.”

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