Animals
National Animal
The Troupial“Why do we love animals so much? Because they are living proof that in this world good still exists”
Author unknown
Animals commonly seen in the wild
Marine fauna:
Whales, dolphins, manatees, sharks, seahorses, barracudas.
Birds:
Kingfishers, geese, pelicans, eagles, hummingbirds, toucans, owls, sparrows, parrots, parakeets, woodpeckers.
Land mammals:
Monkeys, jaguars, anteaters, bats, sloths, squirrels, vicunas, deer, armadillos, wolves, porcupines.
Snakes and insects:
Snakes, spiders, frogs, iguanas, lizards, butterflies, beetles, moths.
Common sights you will not like
In the city and on the road
Due to the economic crisis you can see many stray and starving cats and dogs, as well as abandoned animals in the streets and outside the shelters. The majority of them are malnourished and sick due low availability of food.
In theCountryside
Stray starving cats and dogs are also quite common in the countryside. Santeria is a local ritual where man offers animal sacrifices to god. It is common to kill roasters and goats.
Hunting or poaching:
Despite the hunting laws, the economic crisis has led to hunting of almost every wild animal, A license/government permit is needed, which lately is not enforced.
Animal fights:
Corrida de toros (bull fighting) has been banned in some Venezuelan cities. Though cock fighting is also quite common.
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.
