The leading seal hospital in Europe
Formerly known as Sealcentre Pieterburen, now at a new location: the WEC in Lauwersoog. Visit our seal hospital and marvel at the seals and their fascinating habitat.
Discover our new seal hospital
After more than fifty years in Pieterburen, Seal Centre Pieterburen Foundation has a new home in Lauwersoog. Here, we build on decades of knowledge and experience. We care for seals, both in the wild and in our modern rehabilitation facility. Our advanced seal hospital features multiple intensive care units, an operating room, an intake area, and various pools.
You’ll also learn about the research we conduct on both seals and their environment. Did you know that the seal is the largest predator in the Netherlands and a key indicator of the Wadden Sea’s health? You are welcome at the WEC to visit Europe’s premier seal hospital.
What is there to see?
Seal care in three phases
A sick seal starts in intensive care and later moves to a larger pool
Learn everything about the seal
At the seal hospital, you will learn all about the seal and its habitat
Seal feeding moments
The seals are fed several times a day, mostly around 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM
Peek inside the fish kitchen
See how kilos of fish and salmon porridge are prepared for the seals
Watch seals underwater at the Sea Pool
Watch seals up close in the largest Phase 3 enslosure, where you can also watch them underwater
Release a seal into the Wadden Sea
Help return a healthy seal to its natural home once it is strong enough
Our seal protection foundation
Seal Centre Pieterburen Foundation is the charitable foundation within the WEC. With passion, we dedicate ourselves to seals—not only by caring for those in need but also by preventing problems and researching their habitat, the unique Wadden Sea.
We receive no government subsidies and rely entirely on donations, entrance fees, and legacies. Your support makes our work possible. Will you help protect the seals and their environment?
Support us
Adopt a seal
At our specialized seal hospital, we work daily to rehabilitate weakened seals so they can return healthy to the Wadden Sea. Right now, several seals need your support. Together, we can make a difference for these special animals!
Did you know that...
the total cost of a full rehabilitation period per seal is around €5,000?
Watching seals live at the WEC
Quarantine – Phase 1
Outdoor pools - Phase 2
Outdoor pools - Phase 3
Onderwater – Fase 3
Become a volunteer and help out!
Without our amazing volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to do our work. Would you like to join our passionate team? We ensure you have a fun and educational experience. Many volunteers leave with unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships!
Sign up
