| Key Activities | 🛟 Rescue • 🏥 Rehabilitation • 📚 Public Education • 🧬 Population Monitoring • 🧪 Research |
|---|---|
| Location | Haven 6, 9976 VN Lauwersoog, Netherlands |
| Seal Hotline | +31 595 526 526 |
| Website | ontdekwec.nl • zeehondencentrum.nl |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Species | harbor seal • grey seal |
| Rehab & Release | ✔ |
| Sanctuary | ✖ |
| Open to Public | ✔ |
| How to Help | Donate • Adopt • Volunteer |
Founded in the early 1970s by Lenie ‘t Hart, the former Zeehondencrèche of Pieterburen – now known as Sealcentre Pieterburen and part of the Wadden Sea World Heritage Center (WEC) – has grown into one of the largest and most advanced seal hospitals in Europe. In 2025, the center relocated to Lauwersoog, embracing a broader mission that pairs seal rehabilitation with education and research focused on the entire Wadden Sea ecosystem.
The center primarily cares for injured or orphaned harbor seals and grey seals, especially during and after their pupping seasons, with the goal of returning them to the wild. They train their own Zeehondenwachters (seal guards) and collaborate with other Dutch seal centers in a joint disentanglement team, responding to the growing issue of marine debris affecting seals.
Beyond the Netherlands, Sealcentre Pieterburen has shared its expertise internationally, contributing to conservation efforts for Mediterranean monk seals and Caspian seals, among others. Their multidisciplinary approach and scientific research have made them a respected partner in global marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation.
In summer 2024, the center’s YouTube livestream captured hearts in Japan, where fans affectionately dubbed it アザラシ幼稚園 (Azarashi yōchien – “seal kindergarten”). The phrase gained such popularity that it was nominated as Word of the Year in Japan.