Curacao Animals
Green Iguana
The first animal you will probably spot is the Green Iguana, locally known as the ‘yuana’. This green reptile loves to sunbath and fill up on the forbidden mancinella fruits, flowers and juicy leaves. Did you know an Iguana can climb up a cactus? Due to its tough skin, covered with scales, the Iguana is well protected and can easily climb up to feast on the cactus fruits. In the park, the Iguana is protected, so the chance to see them is very big! Also because a female iguana can lay up to 71 eggs at the time!
Bats
Inside the Hato Cave live two sorts of rare bats: one is the Long-Tongued Bat and the other is the Long-Nosed Bat.
The Long-Tongued Bat (Glossophaga longirostris) is a medium-sized bat measuring up to 85mm in length, has big eyes and a long tongue that extends to 1/3 of its body length!
Long-Nosed bats (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae) are relatively small bats, with a total length as adults of around 80mm and weighing just between 15 and 25 grams.
Tropical Birds
Curacao has some amazing bird wildlife, both native and migratory. With over 168 species of birds having been identified over the years, you may spot some of these local favorites during your visit to the Curacao Hato Cave: the Barika hel (Bananaquit), Trupial and the Trupial kachó (Yellow Oriole), the Kinikini (American Kestrel) and the Warawara (Crested Caracara).
During the self-guided walk along the Indian Trail, or just sitting on one of our terraces taking in the view, chances are high that you’ll spot at least a few of them depending on the time of day.
Red Footed Tortoise
The Morkoi, which means ‘slow moving’ in Papiamentu, seems to have been living in Curacao as far back as the 17th century. It is not clear if they are native or brought by humans. In the park a few red-footed tortoises live in captivity . They spend much of their day inactive, generally over 50% of the daylight hours. They are most active in the morning and evening, when the temperatures are more pleasant.
Curaçao Rabbit
They are fluffy, they are lean, they are small and oh so cute! The Curacao konènchi is unique and the only one of its kind in the world! If you come early or in the late afternoon, chances are you’ll spot a cottontail. During the day, the Curacao konènchi hides from the blazing sun, lying flat on the ground, blending in perfectly with its surroundings.
Stone Animals
Besides animals living in the park, there are hidden animals inside the cave, only to be seen by the imagination… Over the years, the elements have influenced the walls of the cave, creating the most diverse rock formations. With a little creativity and imagination, you can discover these creations in the walls, but the most beautiful and clear creations are located in the Fantasy chamber. read more>>