Page 12 - AHATA

A9
LOCAL Thursday 20 February 2025

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

ST. CRUZ — The national takes you on a memorable below on the beach: a
park Arikok comprises al- journey of the islands past majestic Leatherback (Der-
most 18 % of the island. Its offering unique geological, mochelys coriacea) heads
rugged terrain, desert-like cultural and historical sites. back to sea after laying
hills filled with tall cacti, These can all be enjoyed her eggs, while another
breathtaking coastline and and explored either on nest laid 2 months ago by
protected local flora and your own or during guided the same female hatches.
fauna welcome you to be tours. A wide variety of ed- A very rare occurrence
explored. There is numer- ucational and informative of daytime nesting and
ous wildlife to discover like programs and fun activities hatching. Sea turtles pre-
for example the sea turtle is available. fer nesting in the cool and
who lays his eggs on the Did you know that four of dark hours of the night. And
park’s beaches. There are the in total seven species hatchlings usually wait for
more places on the island of sea turtle lay their eggs the cue of cooling surface low muddy water while Lately there is a discussion
that are a preserved area on Aruba's beaches? In sand before emerging. sweeping its flattened bill going on about the effect
like the Bubali Plas which is the national park, a Least from side to side to catch certain activities have on
a bird sanctuary. Tern (Sternula antillarum) Bubali Magic small fish, crustaeceans our nature, for example the
keeps a strict eye on a very This beautiful close-up im- and other aquatic inverte- ATV vehicles cause a lot of
The national park Arikok special event taking place age of the pink bird is cour- brates. The Roseate Spoon- dust, noise and leave tire
tesy of Michiel Overstee- bill remains an uncommon tracks. Animals live in these
gen of the Aruba Birdlife sight as they are vulnerable areas where the vehicles
Conservation. This impor- to degradation of feeding run, often with high speed
tant foundation showcases and nesting habitats (Wet- and with detrimental con-
and builds awareness of lands). (Source: arikok na- sequences to flora and fau-
Aruba’s birds and other na- tional park) na. Motorized vehicles are
tive flora and fauna. You forbidden to drive on the
may have seen a ‘pink The aforementioned is just sand dunes in the Northern
cloud’ lately at the Bubali a part of what Aruba’s na- part of the island and all
or Spanish Lagoon Wet- ture has to offer. We can- beaches in Aruba are for-
lands areas? It’s most likely not stress enough to go, see bidden for any motorized
to be Roseate Spoonbills for yourself. The island has vehicle. Treasure our island
(Ajaia ajaja) or ‘Chucharon the most beautiful beach- to enjoy it like you do: as a
Cora’ as they are known in es but it is also worthwhile tropical and natural para-
Papiamento. This unusual to go beyond this and get dise. We truly appreciate
looking bird forages in shal- an idea of our entire island. it!q
Feeling parched? Grab a refreshment

by the side of the road!

(Oranjestad)—Touring the island in the blistering heat can leave one feeling rather thirsty
and looking to cool off. Luckily there are a few stands along the roads of Aruba that can
offer you just what you need: a nice, refreshing beverage!

These “coconut stands” can be found at several locations on the island, where you can
cool off with delicious smoothies, drinks, snacks, and of course, fresh coconuts! Perfect
during family outings around the island, these stands can be found in the following
locations:
- Near the red Anchor in San Nicolas
- On the Linear Park in Oranjestad (in front of airport runway)
- At the California Light House hill
- Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruin
- Bushiribana Beach (Near the Ling & Song Supermarket)