Good news for all wildlife in the Den Helder area! Starting January 1st, the Helderse Valley will open a wildlife sanctuary at the temporary emergency location on Handelskade in Den Helder. This will allow wildlife in need to receive the care they need at this temporary location.
A logical step, considering the upcoming construction of a new wildlife sanctuary on the De Helderse Vallei site. "We are relieved that we can already offer the best possible shelter to wild animals in need, even if it's temporary and not yet ideal," says Katelijne van Spronsen, director of De Helderse Vallei. "We want to not only ensure the well-being of these animals but also strengthen our educational role by raising awareness of the vulnerability of nature and the animals that are part of it."“
Karen van Beest, chair of the Den Helder Animal Ambulance, is thrilled with this news. "Now our volunteers can confidently return the found animals to the wildlife sanctuary and also contribute to their transport back to the location where they were found, so they can be released back into the wild!"“
Education and care for nature
The wildlife sanctuary plays a crucial role in the well-being of wildlife that becomes injured or ill. The Helderse Valley team will be committed to providing animals such as birds, mammals, and other native species with the care they need, with the goal of returning them to the Helderse natural environment in good health as quickly as possible. In addition, the Helderse Valley will continue its educational programs, which focus on nature, animals, and sustainability.
The De Paddestoel association, which managed the bird sanctuary for the past few years, has been permanently dissolved. The board is pleased with the step taken by De Helderse Vallei. "As an association, we've increasingly struggled to make ends meet financially in recent years," says Henk Oude Nijhuis, former chairman of De Paddestoel bird sanctuary. "This is good news for the wildlife in Den Helder."“
Naturally, the opening of the new building on the site of De Helderse Vallei is eagerly anticipated as the permanent location for wildlife rehabilitation in Den Helder.
