Wildlife in Cuba is very is pretty amazing and in some cases unique to Cuba! What kind of cool creatures can you expect to see in Cuba? And where can you find them?
The (Not So Little) Mermaid
Manatees are a bit like an Pacific Dugong. They appear to be so placid and slow that you wonder how they can survive in the often-harsh open waters. However they can turn on the speed and agility when they need to. They tend to hang around warmer subtropical waters and this is why the waters off Cuba are a perfect home for them. Legend has it that the the myth of mermaids came from the Manatee. Sailors spotted these creatures from a distance and took them to be, well… mermaids.
Just part of the amazing wildlife in Cuba, there is something quite soothing about spotting one of these Manatees in their natural habitat. You see these creatures close up in Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen). This is a protected marine park stretching 150 kms along Cuba’s southern coast.
Really Cute Rodents
The Cuban Hutia has a vague rat-like resemblance so your adoration of the creature can depend on your outlook on rodents in general. Don’t automatically dismiss the Hutia though, since these critters are rather darn cute. They can weigh more than 8 kilos, so you shouldn’t expect some kind of tiny mouse-type of thing.
They were once a source of food for Cubans, and still are in some rural communities. If you want to see the animal alive and well in its natural habitat there’s a colony of them at the Bagá Nature Park on Cayo Coco in the northeast of the island. There are plans to actually farm the Huita for i
Jumping Cuban Crocodiles
The Cuban crocodile is smaller than its African and Australian counterpart. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in attitude. They have a disproportionately muscular tail which allows them to actually jump out of the water! This is how they hunt as they can snatch an unsuspecting bird or animal who might be nearby.
The Cuban crocodile is critically endangered, but it’s still possible to see wild colonies in the Zapata Swamp. A wildlife reserve in Matanzas province, a short drive from Havana.
There is also a colony of these awesome predators on the Isla de la Juventud. You can easily reach the island via a slow local ferry. However it’s feasible to get up early and take a fast boat for a one day trip to the island from Havana. The island is also home t the impressive and yet altogether less scary, Cuban rock iguana.
Pretty in Pink Flamingos
Cuba is home to the largest population of flamingos in the Western Hemisphere. Flamingos don’t worry about international borders and regularly make the short flight between Florida and Cuba without a passport. Perhaps the largest colony of flamingos can be found at the Rio Maximo Wildlife Reserve in Camagüey province. You will need to arrange a tour to visit this protected zone as solo travellers are not permitted. There are an estimated 70,000 flamingos in the park at any given time. During nesting season an addtional 50,000 chicks add to the numbers. However an easier option is to visit the Guanaroca Lagoon, close to the city of Cienfuegos.
This Guanaroca Lagoon is rather shallow throughout, making it ideal for flamingo life. You will need to be taken out into the lagoon in a rowing boat, for a small fee. This way you’ll to get the best out of your visit to see the flamingos.