Washington Slagbaai National Park, Nature reserve in northern Bonaire, Netherlands.
Washington Slagbaai National Park is a protected area in northern Bonaire covering thousands of hectares with rolling hills, valleys, and shorelines. The landscape shelters native plants and animals adapted to dry Caribbean conditions.
The land was once colonial plantations and salt production sites during earlier centuries. It became the first nature reserve of the Netherlands Antilles in 1969.
Archaeological remains throughout the park indicate the presence of South American indigenous communities that inhabited this region thousands of years ago.
The park is reached by driving 34 kilometers of dirt roads that connect twenty different spots and overlooks. High-clearance vehicles work best for navigating these rough tracks safely.
Four species of Caribbean sea turtles lay eggs on the park's protected beaches, making them critical for the survival of these marine populations. This nesting sanctuary supports breeding animals that migrate across the wider region.
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