Page 7 - AHATA

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local Friday 22 august 2025
PSA from the Aruba Conservation Foundation:

How to behave when you see a “lora”

(Oranjestad)— The conservation of the Yellow- Aruban. However, not everyone may know how ensure the survival of these birds for future gen-
Shouldered Amazon, also known as the ‘Lora,’ to behave when encountering these clever and erations.
relies on how we act as humans. We’ve seen social birds. This guide is here to explain the be-
many hikers who’ve encountered the ‘Lora’ in haviors that will most effectively help us in our No interfering, please
our protected nature areas and we can cer- efforts to conserve the ‘Lora.’ Please, don’t just Please refrain from interfering with the “Lora”.
tainly imagine the pride and joy it brings to any read but also follow these guidelines so we can The Lora is a highly intelligent and social animal,
perhaps slightly too friendly because they have
gotten used to the rangers as they prepared for
their reintroduction. However, it is our collective
responsibility to help them adapt to the wild
once again. Please play your part by not inter-
fering (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 attacking other animals, especially birds, as
part of their natural instincts. Please make sure
your pets are kept inside 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 opposite 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 ex-
tinction in 1947 was caused by human activities
including poaching and killing of the Lora. Let’s
work collectively to prevent this from happen-
ing again. So when you see the Lora, enjoy their
beauty from a distance and admire them as
they flourish in the wild.q

Surf’s Up: Favorite places to catch waves in Aruba

ORANJESTAD – Whether you are a favorite surf spots! Arashi
salt-seasoned surfer looking for a Arashi, a beach located close
thrill, or just looking to wet your toes Andicuri to the California Lighthouse, is a
in a little ocean adventure, Aruba Andicuri is recognized as the best good spot for learning and having
has amazing places to learn and place for body boarding. Because fun – if you’re lucky! The waves at
practice surfing! Although more of the rough waves, this beach is Arashi are usually calm, but with
known for the calmer waters of Palm better suited for those with more just the right weather, a swell forms
Beach, Eagle Beach and Mangel experience in surfing. However, attracting all the local surfers to the
Halto, Aruba also has some special the beach with two bluffs – one on area.
places to thrill your senses. each side – is worth a visit, if only to
watch the exciting show presented Boca Grandi the action for surfers in Aruba. With
Because of strong winds and by the surfers. Boca Grandi is at the most southern a variety of surf shops and schools
breezes, Aruba is perfect for wind spot in Aruba, and is a popular spot in this area, you will find it easy to
and kite surfing. You will surely To go to Andicuri, you will need a with experienced surfers. Close to get in on the action. Hadicurari is
notice kites in the air as you drive 4×4 vehicle and drive from the ex- the famous Red Anchor and our also the site of the Aruba Hi Winds
around the wilder, rougher areas Natural Bridge Center. Alternatively, beloved Sunrise City – San Nicolas, World Challenge, which takes
on Aruba’s east side. you can make it an adventure by a trip to Boca Grandi can easily turn place usually in June/July, and it is
going on a hike! The scenery is into an all-day trip to this area of the largest windsurfing competition
There are plenty of surf shop unique and beautiful on its own. the island. With a beautiful beach in the Caribbean!
rentals to help you with your gear, (although it is not allowed to swim
and there are also a lot of tutors if Reaching Andicuri Beach can be here, because of strong currents), Malmok
you’re looking to try for the first time an adventure in itself, as it can be you can enjoy a relaxing time If you’re a beginner, this is your
and need a little help. These can difficult to find and is only accessible combing the beach for driftwood, spot. There are also various shops
be found around the island, and by 4×4 vehicle or walking from the coral, and little crabs and snails. to rent gear and receive lessons,
will surely come in hand if you’re ex-Natural Bridge center, but the facilitating learning and just trying
wanting to try a new experience! impressive scenery makes it all Hadicurari out a new experience. The beach
worthwhile! Known locally as Fisherman’s Hut, is also popular for paddleboarding
With that said, here are Aruba’s here is where you will find most of and other watersport activities.q