Our goal
- To care for and treat seals and to release them back into the wild.
- To inform the public about the problems of the seal and its environment.
- To conduct research into the factors which influence the health of the seal, both of
individual animals and of the total population; besides this, into threats to marine
mammals in general.
As long ago as 1971, Lenie 't Hart started looking after sick and weak seals in the
SRRC in Pieterburen. The SRRC has now grown into a real seal hospital, complete with
quarantine facilities, laboratories, X-ray department, etc. Besides medical treatment of
seals, public information on the problems of the seal and its environment is provided by
means of guided tours, a permanent exhibition and a film. During the holiday season the
SRRC can be reached by special public transport, a bus named "Crèche Express",
from Groningen to Pieterburen and vice versa.
The Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre does not receive any grants, but is
financially supported by about 45,000 sponsors. Besides this, the centre receives regular
donations - either money or in the form of (medical) equipment - through activities by
schools and companies. The SRRC is a foundation, run by a board which is advised by two
advisory committee. These are composed of experts from all over the world who provide
their knowledge to the crèche free of charge. One committee is known as the Scientific
Advisory Board and the other as the Medical Advisory Board. They meet regularly to draw up
the protocols which guide the work of the crèche staff. The SRRC has 24 regular staff
members: a vet, a biologist, an administrative department, seal nurses, information staff,
technical and scientific staff. In addition to the permanent team, there is also room for
many dozens of volunteers and trainees from all over the world.
Visiting hours:
The creche is ALWAYS open. Admission costs only NLG 1.
Our shop is open between 9.00 AM and 6.00 PM and at the same time there are informers
present. |
