Cooperation between AquaZoo and shelter

AquaZoo has entered into a special partnership for the protection of various animal species. This time, however, no exotic species from faraway places.... but local animals. Friday, in fact, the first nine hedgehogs were returned to the Frisian zoo by the De Fûgelhelling foundation.

This is the first time that De Fûgelhelling and the Frisian Park have joined forces. The released hedgehogs, like many others, were brought into the shelter weakened. De Fûgelhelling has been providing help to sick, weakened and parentless native birds and mammals, among others: from sparrows to swans and from roe deer to hedgehogs, since 1975. In total, they take in some 10,000 animals each year, including 1,000 hedgehogs.

Ideal locationThe hedgehogs are mostly from urban areas. "They are used to a sheltered environment, where people also come. That's why AquaZoo Leeuwarden is the ideal location to release these animals. There is enough shelter and food and there is a beautiful nature reserve. For the hedgehogs this is a wonderful location, especially for the animals that now have to stand on their own two feet for the first time," says Hetty Sinnema, manager of De Fûgelhelling.

Diverse nature reserveWilliam Kreijkes, head of animal care at AquaZoo, concurs with Sinnema's words. "AquaZoo and De Fûgelhelling stand for the same things. We find it very important that, in addition to taking good care of the exotic animals in our park, good care is also taken of the native animals that can be found in AquaZoo."

The Friesian park is home to many native animals, Kreijkes says. "We have an enormously diverse natural area. Besides our exotic animals, we have many Frisian visitors, including a huge number of bird species that have found their place in our park.

The FûgelhellingThe Fûgelhelling takes in birds and mammals living in the Frisian countryside that are often injured by direct or indirect human activity. "Think of birds flying into windows or collisions. But these animals also lose their habitat due to construction," says Sinnema.

"The animals are then brought to us by the Animal Ambulance or by individuals. We see what's wrong and treat them. In this process, a good environment, good and enough food, and rest are important core values. Ultimately, our goal is to release all the animals we receive back into their natural environment."