A seal rescue center in the Netherlands will stay open for now after supporters raised €1.3 million in three weeks. The money gives the center more time to find a way to keep caring for seals.
The World Heritage Centre Wadden Sea (WEC) in Lauwersoog announced the decision on Friday. The board has paused plans to file for bankruptcy. This is a legal process for organisations that can no longer pay their debts.
The center said public support allows its work to continue while it explores possible solutions. More than 100,000 people signed a petition asking for the center to remain open. Supporters also organised fundraising events.
Staff gave the petition, with 101,651 signatures, to Hans Broekhuizen, mayor of the local municipality, Het Hogeland. Organisations including WWF Netherlands and the University of Groningen also expressed their support.
Why is the centre in financial trouble?
The seal rescue center and seal hospital moved from Pieterburen to a new building in the harbour of Lauwersoog. Construction cost more than expected, and fewer people visited than the organisation had planned for.
These problems left a financial gap of about €2.8 million. On 12 October, the center announced plans to file for bankruptcy within two weeks unless a possible solution emerged.
The seal center began its work in Pieterburen in 1971. Its team cares for sick and weak seals. Once the animals recover, staff release them into the Wadden Sea. Keeping the center open would allow the team to continue helping seals who need care.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: theanimalreader.com
