Ecomare Seal Sanctuary Pool

A Sanctuary for Rescued Seals

Ecomare is one of the Netherlands' best-known nature centres, caring for harbour and grey seals that cannot return to the wild because of age or permanent injury. This camera looks over the main open-air pool, where the resident group swims, rests and interacts throughout the day.

Feeding Presentations

Twice a day the centre holds a public feeding presentation, and the burned-in caption invites visitors to support the seals with a bucket of fish. The poolside railing fills with spectators as the keepers introduce each animal and its story.

The Island of Texel

Ecomare sits near De Koog on Texel, the largest of the Dutch Wadden Islands in North Holland. The surrounding dunes, beaches and the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea make the island a haven for marine wildlife.

Conservation and Care

Beyond its permanent residents, Ecomare rescues and rehabilitates stranded animals, combining marine research with public education. The centre's aquariums and exhibits tell the story of the North Sea and the fragile coastal ecosystems of the region.