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22 LOCAL NEWS AWEMainta Diamars, 3 October 2023
Aruba
The Remarkable
The Remarkable
Presence of
Presence of
Goats on the
Goats on the
Caribbean Oasis
Caribbean Oasis
IN the heart of the Caribbean Sea, the tranquil island of encounter these hardy animals as they explore the island.
Aruba is renowned for its pristine beaches, sun-kissed For those with an adventurous spirit, guided jeep tours
landscapes, and a distinctive population of wild goats that through the island’s off-road terrain provide opportunities
freely roam its terrain. These remarkable creatures, though to interact with Aruba’s iconic feral goats.
not indigenous to the island, have etched their place in the
history and ecology of Aruba, adding a unique dimension to However, their presence is not without challenges. The
its natural allure. goats’ propensity to graze on crops and their impact on local
conservation efforts have occasionally sparked conflicts. To
Centuries ago, European settlers introduced goats to Aruba, address these issues, there have been concerted efforts to
drawn by their valuable meat and milk, which were crucial manage the goat population while minimizing disruption to
for sustenance in the challenging desert-like environment of the island’s delicate ecosystem.
the island. Over the course of time, a portion of these goats
either escaped or were deliberately set free, thus laying the Recent initiatives on Aruba have also sought to promote
foundation for the emergence of a resilient feral goat popu- sustainable goat farming as a means of not only controlling
lation. the feral population but also harnessing their milk and meat
for local consumption.
In contemporary Aruba, these goats are integral to the
island’s cultural and ecological fabric. They are often seen In essence, Aruba’s feral goats embody the island’s unique
meandering along the rugged coastal landscapes and, on blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. As visitors and
occasion, even navigating the island’s roadways. Their ability residents traverse this Caribbean oasis, they bear witness
to thrive in the arid conditions of Aruba’s terrain stands as a to the enduring legacy of these adaptable and resourceful
testament to their adaptability and tenacity. creatures that have become an intrinsic part of Aruba’s
Visitors to Aruba, both locals and tourists, frequently enchanting landscape.
