Animals
National Animal
The Vicuña“Those who teach the most about humanity aren’t always humans.”
D.L. Hicks
Animals commonly seen in the wild
Marine fauna:
Sea lions, seals, dolphins, whales, porpoise, manatees, bass, wolf fish, piranhas, catfish.
Birds:
Condors, eagles, boobies, toucans, albatross, flamingoes, ibises.
Land mammals:
Bears, wolves, foxes, llamas, vicuñas, monkeys, anteaters, opossums, armadillos, sloths.
Snakes and insects:
Turtles, coral snakes, caimans, butterflies, grasshoppers, tree frogs.
Common sights you will not like
In the city and on the road
In the Andean regions, roasting whole guinea pigs on spikes is common. Stray dogs and cats, hungry and often injured roam the streets. In small cities you may see strays more than in Lima where the population is kept in check through regular rounding up and extermination. Chicken and rabbits are sold in cages on the street. Some restaurants give the clients to choose a live duck/fish, and slaughter and butcher upon order.
In theCountryside
Use of horses, donkeys and cattle loaded or used for agricultural work. Horses used for entertainment.
Hunting or poaching:
Hunting is allowed with permit. Rabbits, vizcachas (small rodents, chinchilla-like) are hunted in the mountains and monkeys in the jungle. Only wild protected species are illegal.
Animal fights:
Bullfights and cock fights are considered part of the "culture" and are unfortunately not yet protected by law.
We have not included the treatment of animals in the meat/fur/leather industries, zoos or circuses, animal testing as it unfortunately still happens in most countries.
