The second online auction organised by the Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen, which has been based at the WEC in Lauwersoog since 2025, has achieved an excellent result: a total of €9,881 was raised for the care and rehabilitation of seals.
More than half of the auction items will be shipped to Japan, where the centre has become so popular that two seal carers were welcomed like celebrities by fans during a private trip at the beginning of May.
The auction followed an earlier successful edition, which also made a significant contribution to seal care in the Wadden Sea region. In August 2025, the centre auctioned several tiles from the seal pools, raising a total of €10,101.
The proceeds once again demonstrate the broad support for the work of the Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen, both nationally and internationally. The highest bids this time were placed on a wooden seal pup (€451) and a Pieterburen flag featuring a seal (€420). Various items from the centre’s former exhibition also proved highly popular and fetched impressive amounts.
Particularly striking is the continuing and strong interest from Japan. No fewer than 57 of the 98 auctioned items will be sent there. Ever since a seal livestream went viral in 2024, the WEC has remained deeply appreciative of its popularity and loyal fanbase in the country. “The level of engagement with seals in distress remains incredibly high,” says marketing manager Hester de Vries. “It is especially remarkable that so many items from Pieterburen are travelling to the other side of the world.”
At the beginning of May, two seal carers from the Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen travelled to Japan on a private trip, where they were unexpectedly greeted like genuine celebrities. Many Japanese fans now recognise the staff from the centre’s popular livestreams and follow the daily rescue and care of the seals closely.
Enthusiastic supporters were waiting at the airport to welcome them. Japanese fans of the centre also organised a special meet-and-greet in their honour. Demand was so high that the sixty available tickets ultimately had to be allocated by ballot.
Alongside the international interest, the centre’s connection with the Netherlands remains strong. Eight auction items will be shipped to other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Italy, while 33 items will remain in the Netherlands. “We notice that many Dutch people have warm memories of Pieterburen; a great number visited as children,” says Hester de Vries. “We are grateful that people are keen to support us in this way while also wanting to keep a piece of Pieterburen at home.”
The auction was organised to celebrate the first anniversary of the WEC, the new World Heritage Centre Wadden Sea, of which the seal rehabilitation centre forms a part. During the same period, the centre also welcomed its 100,000th visitor and hosted a festive anniversary weekend.
