Exclusive or full adoption of a seal
Making an adoption contributes an important part of a seal's recovery. With both an exclusive and a full adoption, large sums of money are donated. That's why we like to make it clear about what you can expect before, during, and after the adoption process. Read more about the terms and conditions here.
Rehabilitation period
The average rehabilitation period of a seal is 2 to 3 months. You are welcome to come and visit your adopted seal during this period. You can make an appointment for this by phone (0595-526526) or by email (donatie@zeehondencentrum.nl). We will gladly arrange for one of our staff members to accompany you and explain the rehabilitation of your adopted seal.
Releasing your adopted seal
As an adopter, we would like to invite you to be present at the release of your adopted seal. We will reserve two places you. If you want to attend a release with more people, this can be arranged after consultation with us prior to the release and at an additional cost.
When is the release?
Seals are released if they meet our release protocol: the seal must be healthy and able to take care of itself.
The interests of the seal always come first. Recovered patients therefore never stay in the rehabilitation centre longer than is necessary. That is why we cannot make agreements in advance about the date on which a seal will be released. In addition, the planned date depends on the tide, the weather and the availability of ships and employees.
On average, we announce 1-2 weeks in advance when (and where) the seal will be released. You will then be called or emailed and invited to join us. The release may be cancelled in case of strong wind or bad weather. This is known no later than one day before the planned release date. Of course, you will be informed about this.
What if I can't attend?
If you are unable to attend the release of your adopted seal, we invite you to attend another seal release. In addition, we will take photos of the release of your adopted seal and share them with you free of charge.
Can my dog join the release?
Dogs: When there is no other option, you can bring your dog in some cases. The dog is not allowed to leave the boat. Please contact us for this.
Release upon full adoption
With a full adoption you can organize a private release and bring up to 30 guests. Usually the seals are released on a sandbar near Schiermonnikoog. We sail from the port of Lauwersoog with a boat onto the Wadden Sea. To cover the boat costs, we also sell tickets to guests who want to join us.
What happens if your adopted seal dies during rehabilitation?
The Sealcentre is a hospital for seals. Despite our efforts, knowledge and skills, it can happen that a seal does not make it. As an adoptant, you will, of course be informed if your adopted seal dies during the recovery process.
As an adoptant, you can choose from the following options:
- We offer you a new seal for adoption. This restarts the adoption procedure. There are no costs involved.
- If you do not want a new seal adopted, but you do want to be present at the release of seal: We arrange this together in consultation with you.
Do you still have questions? Then please contact us. This can be done by telephone via number 0595 – 526 526 or by email: donatie@zeehondencentrum.nl