Sea Life Blankenberge

Sea Life Blankenberge, located on Belgium’s North Sea coast, is home to the country’s only seal rehabilitation center. Since 1998, the facility has been rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned, sick, or injured seal pups (primarily harbor and grey seals) found along the Belgian shoreline, often initially assessed by volunteers of NorthSealTeam. The center is part of the broader SEA LIFE conservation efforts, supporting seals across other locations in the UK in Scarborough and Hunstanton.

At Blankenberge, the seal hospital is fully integrated into the public aquarium, allowing visitors to observe the rehabilitation process through viewing areas overlooking the training pools. These pools are where young seals learn to swim, socialize, and hunt fish – essential skills for survival in the wild. After three to four months of care, the seals are released back into their natural habitat.

Beyond seal rescue, Sea Life Blankenberge offers a rich educational experience with daily feeding sessions, interactive exhibits, and a walk-through ocean tunnel. The center’s mission is not only to heal marine animals but also to inspire visitors to protect ocean life through awareness and action.