Page 13 - AHATA

A9
LOCAL Wednesday 26 november 2025
Visit the natural pool; Conchi!

(Oranjestad)—Amongst rounding the island that are visited, there is a hidden
the countless beaches sur- well-known and frequently natural pool situated in the
northern coast of the island,
PSA from the Aruba Conservation Foundation: Conchi.

How to behave when you For many years, Conchi was
Conchi (Natural Pool)
see a “lora” the only natural pool that we
had on the island. Located
in the Arikok National Park,
(Oranjestad)— The conservation of the Yellow-Shoul- near Boca Keto and the
dered Amazon, also known as the ‘Lora,’ relies on how we Daimari Ranch, Conchi—
act as humans. We’ve seen many hikers who’ve encoun- also known “Cura di Turtuga
tered the ‘Lora’ in our protected nature areas and we can (Turtle’s Cove) or just Natu- If you decide to hike from wild waves on the other
certainly imagine the pride and joy it brings to any Aru- ral Pool—is reachable with the entrance of the Arikok side. Though the pool is lo-
ban. However, not everyone may know how to behave any 4×4 vehicle or by foot National Park, this is also cated on the northern side
when encountering these clever and social birds. This possible: do bring plenty of the island (where the sea
guide is here to explain the behaviors that will most effec- if you’re up for a long hike. of protective clothing and is largely rough and largely
tively help us in our efforts to conserve the ‘Lora.’ Please, However, since it is part of enough water and food—it no suitable for swimming),
don’t just read but also follow these guidelines so we can the National Park, you must could take you up to three the pool itself is very calm.
ensure the survival of these birds for future generations. first get permission from park hours to hike there! It’s also relatively deep, and
management to enter. You you can climb up the rocks
No interfering, please would have to purchase However, when you even- and jump in!q
Please refrain from interfering with the “Lora”. The Lora a day pass, and receive a tually do get there, you
is a highly intelligent and social animal, perhaps slightly wristband as proof of pay- will be greeted with crystal Picture is credited to Rocka-
too friendly because they have gotten used to the rang- ment. Once you’ve com- blue water surrounded by Beach Tours.
ers as they prepared for their reintroduction. However, it pleted that, you are set! a natural rock formation
is our collective responsibility to help them adapt to the that protects you from the
wild once again. Please play your part by not interfering
(calling, provoking etc.) with the Lora. Simply enjoy their
beauty from a safe distance.

Be respectful and keep cats and dogs away
Pets and strays such as cats and dogs are prone to at-
tacking other animals, especially birds, as part of their
natural instincts. Please make sure your pets are kept in-
side of your yard or are kept on a leash when going out
for a walk.

Do not feed them food or water
You may think that giving the any food or water is doing
a good deed, but it actually does not contribute to them
developing survival skills in the wild. By interfering with the
survival instincts of wild animals, we are doing the oppo-
site of helping. Therefore, please do not attempt to give
the Loras food or water.

Capturing a Lora is against the law!
The biggest threat to the Lora before their extinction in
1947 was caused by human activities including poaching
and killing of the Lora. Let’s work collectively to prevent
this from happening again. So when you see the Lora,
enjoy their beauty from a distance and admire them as
they flourish in the wild.q