Goat culling at Washington Slagbaai National Park has been temporarily suspended. The Executive Council and STINAPA agreed to the pause following concerns and public debate on Bonaire in recent weeks about the removal of goats from the park. During the pause, they will explore ways to increase the number of goats that can be removed alive and made available to people and organizations on Bonaire.
Removing free-roaming goats is necessary to give the park’s native vegetation a chance to recover. Goats eat young trees and plants before they can grow. Over time, this reduces vegetation and makes it harder for the natural landscape to recover.
Most goats are removed alive
Since 2019, efforts have focused on removing as many goats as possible alive. About 75 percent are removed alive and made available to residents, organizations, and churches. The remaining 25 percent are culled when they cannot be removed by other means.
The difference is already visible in areas where goats have been removed. Young plants and trees are growing again, and vegetation is beginning to return.
The Executive Council and STINAPA will now explore whether the percentage of goats removed alive can be increased further. Goat culling will remain suspended while this is being assessed.
