Claude Velter, Sanctuary for Birds and Wild Animals Ostend: “Normally January is a calm month, but now it is a combination of factors, such as the weather and bird flu. We are really receiving more animals than normal at this time of year.”
Oil leak
In addition, some ducks from the area were also brought in, smeared with oil due to a leak in Lombardsijde. “Fortunately, the fire brigade quickly noticed the animals there and were able to catch the ducks and bring them to us. They are being washed today. They have been stabilized in the meantime. They will soon go to an outdoor pool and we can release them in a week.”
2025 was a busy year
2025 was a busy year for the Reception Center in Ostend. Nearly 6,000 animals were taken care of, an increase of 15%. This mainly concerns native animals from nature that have run into problems due to humans.
For this year, the center hopes for continued financial support from the governments and sympathizers.