Willem: the first pup of the winter season

On 6 December, a report came in to the Sealcentre of a washed-up seal on the Den Helder dike. "Seal guards saw her crawling out of the water alone and heavily tired, so she was probably washed off a sandbank near Texel," explained stranding coordinator Emmy Venema. "The umbilical cord was super fresh, she had just been born and probably washed off the bank by the strong currents." As no mothers normally come to this place either, rescue was necessary for survival.

Visit Willem in Pieterburen

Willem was probably only a few days old, as her umbilical cord was still present at the time of pick-up. She was severely weakened and had painful wounds around her vaginal area. After her rescue, she was taken to Pieterburen, where she is now receiving intensive care and medication to recover.

Because pups in the wild depend on their mother and her milk for 2.5 weeks, it is important that Willem recovers well and strengthens sufficiently before being released. Pups usually stay at the rehabilitation centre for two to three months. Willem, along with other rescued seals, can still be visited in Pieterburen until 6 January 2025.

The last pup season in Pieterburen

This pup season is extra special as it is the last to take place in Pieterburen. The Sealcentre will soon close its doors at this location and move to the WEC (Wadden Sea World Heritage Centre) in Lauwersoog. Here, the seal hospital will become part of a special experience: an interactive exhibition that takes you on a voyage of discovery throughout the Wadden area.

For visitors, this is the last chance to experience the Pieterburen rehabilitation center as it has been known for decades. Until 5 January 2025, the last day of the Christmas holidays, people can still visit to see pups like Willem up close and say goodbye to a unique place that has played an important role in caring for these animals.

Tribute

The name has a special meaning, explains Venema. "Willem is named after seal guard Willem Stel, who recently passed away. He devoted more than 35 years to protecting seals and our Seal Centre. With this name, we honour his tireless work and passion for these special animals."

The importance of rest for seal mothers and pups

Grey seals give birth to their pups during this period. The mothers only have a short period to feed their pups, during which they grow from around 10 kilograms at birth to sometimes up to 50 kilograms at weaning. It is therefore crucial that seal mothers and their pups are given rest and space.

Do you see a seal on the beach and doubt her health? Keep your distance and call 144. The report will be routed to a regional centre, where experienced seal guards will assess the situation and provide assistance if necessary.

The Sealcentre remains committed to reducing the number of seals in distress and calls for cooperation to better protect these animals.

Want to contribute to Willem's recovery? Adopt her here.