Top photo by Dirk-Jan Mattaar and John Anderson. Bottom photo by Rafal Pelc Iguana photo by Zina Seletskaya. Donkey photo by Jaime Villalta. Bat photo by James Johnston. Other photos by Pierre Arsenault

Join some “jacks” and “jennies”The Aruba Donkey Sanctuary ensures

that many jacks (male donkeys) and jennies (female donkeys) have a comfortable place to call home and don’t have to fend for themselves in the wild. Visitors are always welcome and there’s no admission charge. You’ll discover there’s much to learn about these gentle, charming creatures – each with their own unique character – and once you get to know them, it’s hard to resist petting their soft muzzles and laughing at their funny call. The donkeys really love all the extra attention, and they also love carrots and apples, so please, feel free to bring along some treats. The “Save Our Donkeys Foundation” is purely nonprofit and depends on donations, volunteers, and fundraisers to keep the sanctuary running. You can help by pur­chasing donkey souvenirs on site, or even “Adopt a Donkey” to pay for an indivi­dual animal’s boarding.

Frolic on fine-stepping steedsThanks to the Spanish conquistadors

who insisted that their favorite breed of mounts (Paso Finos) join them on their exploratory journeys, Aruba is home to some of the finest horses in the world. Paso Fino means “fine step” in Spanish, and these steeds are treasured for their super smooth gait and extremely gentle nature. There are various enjoyable E

Traveling around Aruba you’re bound to encounter animals like wild goats, live­ly lizards, and lounging iguanas, not to mention the many tropical birds flying about and the colorful underwater crea­tures inhabiting the dazzling reefs along the island’s leeward shore.

Out on the links at Tierra del Sol’s golf course, you might see rare burrowing owls, and if you go spelunking in the cool caves there are lots of sleeping bats just “hanging” around. Visit the Bubali Bird Sanctuary to see a regular pit stop on the migratory routes of seabirds, and, of course, parrots, troupials, and banana­quits abound everywhere. Then there’s a friendly flock of flamingoes at Renaissance Island and regal black swans gracing the lagoon of the Hyatt’s Ruinas del Mar… If you want to interact closer with some charming and unconventional creatures,

here are some awesome animal attrac­tions that visitors of all ages are sure to enjoy!

Interact with offbeat birdsThough ostriches originate in Africa

and their comical cousins, emus, hail from Australia, you’ll find a flock of over 80 making their island home at the Aruba Ostrich Farm. Do they really hide their heads in the sand? Do they mate based on the color of their feet? You’ll learn all about their absurd bird behavior from informative guided tours that show you each step of their life cycle, from their start inside oversized eggs to the early years as cute fluffy chicks, through to adulthood. Personal encounters with these fabulous flightless birds include the chance to hand­feed them and will create lasting memories for all.

Animal Attractions by Susan Campbell

Want to get up close and personal with some really cool creatures? Aruba has lots of furry, feathered, and fishy friends eager to greet you!

38 Nights

Activities

39Nights

Activities

Top photo by Pierre Arsenault. Middle photo by Michael DeFreitas. Bottom photo by George Peters

J.E. Irausquin Blvd Z/NConveniently located across

from the Phoenix Hotelwww.thebutterflyfarm.com

BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES FROM ALL OVER

THE WORLD

A visit to Aruba’sButterfly Farm

is an unforgettableencounter with nature in all

its beauty and diversity. Step into a tropical garden teeming with

butterflies from around the globe and prepare to meet some of the world’s mostcolourful creatures. Observe the life cycle

of these fascinating animals from egg tocaterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. The Butterfly Farm is also home to

Aruba’s most unique gift shop.

Open 7 days a week 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Last tour starts at 4 pmCall us at 586-3656

Project1:Layout 1 5/26/10 3:51 PM Pag

horseback tours available for all ages – from a gentle walk through the wild des­ert countryside to exciting wind­whipped gallops along stunning soft sand beaches. Most of Aruba’s horses boast Paso Fino ancestry, and even unskilled riders are assured an easy time of it and a memo­rable trip.

Marvel at metamorphosisThough the livestock at this “farm”

are insects and not mammals, reptiles, or birds, and the mesh enclosures are more like tropical gardens than barns, The Butterfly Farm is still aptly named because, here, these delightful winged wonders are literally raised from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to full­grown butterfly or moth. You’ll witness the ma­gic of the metamorphic stages as they happen. And, if you visit in the morning when the butterflies are at their most ac­tive, you’ll see them feed and maybe even witness a birth! To attract them to you, wear bright colors and perfume; when

they alight, expert guides will show you how to handle them with delicate care. Your admission ticket is good for subse­quent visits during your stay – a wonderful bonus, because with so much to learn and so many exotic species to enjoy, you’ll sure­ly want to return.

Find some fishy friendsBeyond all the cool critters topside,

there’s even more to discover underwater! Several hundred species of fish, corals, anemones, crabs, and even mammals like dolphins are frolicking below waiting to make your acquaintance. Snorkel or dive right offshore at spots like Malmok, Boca Catalina, Arashi Beach, and Baby Beach,

Please refer to the activities listing on page 42 for information on these activities and attractions.

or go deeper around fabled wrecks like the Antilla; Aruba’s waters are simply teem ing with colorful marine life. Even if you prefer not to get wet, you can still wit ness underwater wonders up close and personal thanks to glass­bottom boat and submarine tours! K

40 Nights

Activities