Nature Attractions in Aruba

Bird Sanctuary

The Bubali Bird Sanctuary should your destination if you are a bird watching enthusiast. The reasons for this that the nearby water treatment facilities which empties into two man made interconnected lakes called the large and the small Bubali bird ponds, have turned it into a bird's paradise. Over eighty species of migratory birds have found this place to be the haven for nesting where lush green vegetation surrounds their home building activities.

Herons, skimmers, coots, egrets, gulls, numerous species of ducks, cormorants and more have been found to inhabit this place where an observation tower was built to help the bird watchers.

Butterfly Farm

If you think watching birds is the end of the story, watch out for Aruba's Butterfly Farm, where you could encounter butterflies from round the globe. An unforgettable experience with nature in its most beautiful form, you could even witness the entire life cycle – the metamorphosis of the egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to fully-formed butterfly. You would never know the number of colors that are there in the insect kingdom, unless you visit this butterfly farm at Aruba.

Never think you are alone in this experience trying to decipher what is what. An experienced guide would help you with his commentary on the habits of butterflies and explain the miracle called metamorphosis. If you arrive early, you could even watch new butterflies emerging from their chrysalis stage and taking on their first flight. A photographer's delight, this place can enthrall a visitor of any age.

Donkey Sanctuary

If a wild life sanctuary can attract thousands of visitors, what is wrong with a Donkey Sanctuary? These gentle and harmless creatures have found a home in Aruba's sanctuary specially made for them where you could find a variety of their species in their varied coats – from grey to chocolate brown, dangling their floppy ears and wanting to say hello to every incoming visitor.

What became a reality in 1997, presently there are 40 donkeys who are living out their peaceful lives in a safe protected environment in the sanctuary in Santa Lucia and another 15 donkeys are housed in Bringamosa.

The Santa Lucia sanctuary is a warm and visitor-friendly place where you could even rest for a snack. They offer you information as well as a tour of the place in case you are interested.

Ostrich Farm

Incredible as it may sound, Aruba's rugged landscape has offered its hospitality to the ostrich, which are native to far way Africa. You would be welcomed by Aruba Ostrich Farm's 50-count flock as you marvel at the largest living species of the world. The best part is that you can participate in the guided tour of the farm which is also home to the flightless Australian birds called Emus – a distant cousin to the ostrich.

The guided tour can give you an opportunity to get more familiar with the bird's natural survival instincts as well as their behaviors.

Nature & Wildlife

Cactus plants, aloe and distinctively-shaped divi divi trees are characteristic features of Aruba's typical rugged landscape which is also home to a bustling community of small wildlife. Its climate is semi arid which promotes growth of desert plants like cactus and brush plants which is in sharp contrast to the azure blue seas.

The rocky desert terrain of Aruba is comfortable for many four-legged animals like wild donkeys and goats. You could locate them easily near the rocky areas of Ayo. The island is also home to various lizard types like iguana, etc.

Natalee Holloway Death Hearing Today

Six Years After Disappearance, Holloway Could Be Declared Dead

Judge declares Natalee Holloway dead

An Alabama judge Thursday signed an order declaring Natalee Holloway -- the teenage girl who disappeared on a trip to Aruba in 2005 -- officially dead.

Natalee Holloway Is Dead, Judge Decides

Natalee Holloway's Mother Opposes the Judge's Ruling

Missing teen Natalee Holloway declared dead

The parents of Natalee Holloway, the American teenager who disappeared in Aruba in 2005, say they hope Joran van der Sloot will be brought before a U.S. court on charges stemming from the case.

Holloway suspect faces 30 years in Peru

LIMA, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- A slain Peruvian woman's family vowed to be in court for the sentencing of her killer, a suspect in the case of a missing U.S. teen declared dead Thursday.