ESC: Volunteering in a seal rehabilitation center - Netherlands
Code: 51337 Copied
Netherlands
European Voluntary Service
Environment
European Voluntary Service
Environment
Fixed dates
About the project
ESC: Volunteering in a seal rehabilitation center - Netherlands
📝 Detailed information
💼 What the programme involves
Join the Werelderfgoedcentrum Waddenzee (WEC) in Lauwersoog this summer and support the rescue and rehabilitation of common harbour seal pups, starting from June for 8 weeks!
Opening in 2025 as the new home of Seal Center Pieterburen, WEC combines wildlife care, science, and education to protect the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In the Seal Rehabilitation Department, you will help care for injured, sick, and orphaned seals with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.
Tasks include preparing feeds, observing eating behavior, assisting with medication, weighing seals, monitoring health, moving animals between pools, cleaning enclosures, and supporting daily operations. By joining the team, you will contribute directly to animal welfare while helping raise awareness of the importance of protecting one of Europe’s most valuable coastal ecosystems.
This European Solidarity Corps position is specifically intended for participants who are not able to cover the costs.
🏠 Accommodation on site
Housing
Volunteers stay at our campus in the Lauwersmeer nature area, 5 minutes by bike or 15 minutes on foot from the center. Bikes are provided. You will share a four-person house divided into two bedrooms, with two people per room and separate beds. Houses include internet and a common area with games.
Food
Groceries are included. Each volunteer can order food weekly through an online supplier with a budget of €56.
Transport
Volunteers arrange their own travel to the project's location. We encourage environmentally friendly transport whenever possible.
🎒 Leisure activities
You will receive training materials before arrival, along with an online kick-off presentation the week before your start. After arriving, you will take part in a two-week training period in the seal care department, where experienced nurses will teach you the basics of seal rehabilitation and daily care procedures.
⚠️ Requirements
The Participant profile: Working in seal rehab requires close collaboration with veterinary nurses, animal caretakers, volunteers, and other staff members. Communication is key, especially when it comes to following care protocols and responding to the changing needs of the animals.
To join the Seal Rehabilitation Department, you must meet the following criteria:
Be 18 years of age or older
Have strong English communication skills
Be able to follow instructions precisely
Work well in a team-oriented environment
Be physically fit and comfortable working outdoors and with animals - please note that the work is quite physical
WEC regularly offers volunteer opportunities for participants who are able to finance their own stay. More information and applications can be found at https://ontdekwec.nl/en/.
This European Solidarity Corps opportunity is specifically intended for participants who are not able to cover the costs of their stay. Please choose the application option that best fits your personal situation!
Desirable requirements of applicant
It is not mandatory to have a background in marine conservation or animal care; however, such experience can be an advantage and may help you feel more confident in certain tasks.
Deadline: 02/05/2026 23:59
Deadline: 02/05/2026 23:59
ℹ️ Additional information
The project is implemented under the European Solidarity Corps Programme, financed by the European Commission.
The participating organisations have to be mindful of these needs as they are responsible for providing a respectful and trusting hosting environment. At the same time, the organisations participating in the initiative devote a great deal of time, energy and resources to set up a high-quality activity; they should therefore expect that European Solidarity Corps participants show a similar level of respect for the local communities and the people that are directly concerned by the activities (https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/mission_en).
What do we provide ?
Before applying for this volunteering project, you need to enroll yourself at European Solidarity Corps Platform (https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en) and specify your European Solidarity Corps Participant Number (PRN).
This organisation holds a European Solidarity Corps Quality Label.
Contact the ESC coordinator at +32 2 888 67 13 to get more informations.
The participating organisations have to be mindful of these needs as they are responsible for providing a respectful and trusting hosting environment. At the same time, the organisations participating in the initiative devote a great deal of time, energy and resources to set up a high-quality activity; they should therefore expect that European Solidarity Corps participants show a similar level of respect for the local communities and the people that are directly concerned by the activities (https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/mission_en).
What do we provide ?
- Training before and after the project
- Health insurance during your project
- round-trip travel reimbursement
- accommodation and food
- pocket money
- language course
- Return Week-end
- Youth Pass and SVI international Volunteer passport
Before applying for this volunteering project, you need to enroll yourself at European Solidarity Corps Platform (https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en) and specify your European Solidarity Corps Participant Number (PRN).
This organisation holds a European Solidarity Corps Quality Label.
Contact the ESC coordinator at +32 2 888 67 13 to get more informations.
Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.
Sign in to apply📅 Available sessions
NL51337
07/06/2026 → 02/08/2026
Volunteers registered
0 / 2
♂ 0/1
♀ 0/1
Deadline: 02/05/2026
ℹ️ Key information
Age required
18–30 years old
Solidarity donation
0.00 EUR
French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).
📍 Location
Lauwersoog, Netherlands
Netherlands
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Euro Member Countries (EUR / €)
Timezone
Central European Summer Time
Local time: 21:43 (12/11/2026)
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🏠 Accommodation
Collective
🗣️ Languages spoken
English
Dutch