There are some efforts that cannot be praised enough. To me, animal protection and rescue is such an effort. Therefore, I was more than curious to learn how a seal rescue centre is run. A little while ago we visited the seal rescue centre Friedrichskoog.
I felt a little like I was about to visit a zoo. Families stood around the basins, kids were squealing with excitement when they spotted a seal and most paths were obstructed by prams. I felt like many of them were looking for something here to mix up the day to day life or their holiday and that only very few of them were interested in the work and the mission of the rescue centre.
The info centre of the seal rescue centre Friedrichskoog
Visitors get to learn a lot about seals, marine mammals and tidal flats in the exhibition at the seal rescue centre Freidrichskoog. It is a pity that only very fee visitors come inside to look at the extensive amount of information (as opposed to the many that come to see the outside seal habitats).
It is great that the exhibition allows visitors to engage with the exhibits. There are opportunities to feel, hear and see – to experience the exhibits with all senses. I find this so important, especially for children. That way, the information stays with them and it is easier to memorise what they have learned! To touch a piece of seal fur was a completely new experience for me, too.
Why is the seal rescue centre so important?
Sharing knowledge is not the only focus of the rescue centre. First and foremost it is about protecting the animals. Injured animals or abandoned young are brought here and are lovingly cared for.
Seal pups that are separated from their mothers during the first few weeks of life are called “Heuler” (howler). As for most young that are prematurely separated from their parents, the chances of survival are very slim for howlers. Therefore, it is of great importance that these animals receive support as quickly as possible. When spotting a howler, there are some things to keep in mind for their protection: do not touch them, stay as far away from them as possible and inform the police or a rescue centre immediately.
Rescue centre staff will pick up the young and start adequate care. The rescue centre’s work is of the highest standard when it comes to the veterinary check-ups, feeding, socialising and releasing the animals into the wild. The details of this work are not being shown to visitors. The young are kept away from human encounter as much as possible to ensure that releasing them back into the wild will go smoothly when they are ready. This is why the seal pups are mostly being kept out of sight from the visitors.
Another area of work for the centre is research. They run different research project around seals.
Can you see actual seals at the rescue centre?
What would a rescue centre that is open to visitors be without some actual animals to look at. Friedrichskoog is home to some seals that were born in captivity or could not be released back into the wild for other reasons. Visitors can see grey seals and harbour seals, two different seal species that live in the North Sea, in big basins at Friedrichskoog. Public feedings take place daily at scheduled times.
We loved our trip to the seal rescue centre Friedrichskoog. We learned a lot and enjoyed observing the animals.
I also find the ticket pricing justified as it serves as a contribution to the conservation of our local fauna.
Address:
An der Seeschleuse 4
25718 Friedrichskoog
Opening Hours:
April to October
Daily 10.00 – 18.00
November to March
Daily 10.00 – 16.00
Public Feedings:
March to October
daily at 10.30, 14.00 and 17.30
November to February
Daily at 10.30 and 14.00
Admission
Adults: 7€
Children: 5€ Please note that card payments are not possible!
Susanne Jungbluth
You may look hier https://www.seehundstation-friedrichskoog.de/en/start-eng/
I think there you find everything you want to know.
Regard, Susanne
Rosemarie Palliser
Please may I have more information about the staff. I see their work on German TV and am interested in everything they do. I should like to help. RP.
Nancy Williams
Animals are so special and unique. It makes me really happy to see them being cared for with love.
Maggie
I’d love to go here! I’ve been to a sea turtle rescue, but not a seal rescue. I agree, organizations like this are SO important and do such great work!
Sage Scott
What a cool experience! There is a place similar to this outside of San Francisco that cares for seals, otters, and other wild marine life that is being negatively impacted by us not taking care of our planet.
Candy
I’ve been to a handful of rescue centers in Florida and they are very informative just like the one you visited. It’s always a bit sad when I learn how they ended up at the facility, but am glad there are places like this that help nurse many of them back to health. Of course, the ultimate goal is to release them, but many times the damage (which is usually caused by humans) is too large that they can’t be sent back into the wild.
Delphine
I visited a seal conservation area on Kangaroo Island, in South Australia. The beach is protected so they can live their lives there and you can only visit with a guide. The seals are there and you need a powerful lens to photograph them. But it’s absolutely worth it, they are beautiful animals who live in a harsh environment, so they should be protected!
Annick
I never realized that there were seal rescues but that makes sense. Their work is so important to help the animals survive in the wild. I like the education component of rescues too. It reminds us all to be more thoughtful about how our actions affect nature.
Patricia Pagenel
Rescue centers are indeed so important. We got to see seals up close in California in different parks and along the Pacific Coast, and one time in the Galapagos Islands while snorkeling. Amazing animals, they can be so curious!
Sam Sees World
This is amazing! I love anything that raises awareness and educates :) Also these seals are so adorable!
Jenn and Ed Coleman
It sounds like this seal rescue center is doing it right. They are looking to rehabilitate seals while taking the opportunity for education and awareness. People generally make good choices, once they are aware of what’s going on.
Danik
Fantastic job the guys are doing there at the rescue centre and its also great that visitors can go and see them. Fantastic blog post and a great one to make awareness. We need to help our wildlife maintain its presence on our planet with all the problems going on at the moment.