13-03-2023
CONTRIBUTING TO THE PURCHASE OF HEDGEHOG PENS
New outdoor pens for Stichting Egelopvang Roosendaal
Although Dré was forced to stop work in the 1990s, this didn't dampen his urge to to do something worthwhile. "I found an injured goose on the road in Zeeland and decided that I couldn't just leave him to his fate. The bird had a broken wing so I took him to a bird shelter in Zundert where he underwent a successful operation. That inspired me to get more involved with animals in distress, and I volunteered at the bird shelter 7 days a week."
Hedgehogs
Dré: "Over the years while working at the bird shelter I realised there were not really any decent facilities for hedgehogs in the Rosendaal area. There was no room for them at the bird shelter, so I decided to set up a hedgehog shelter myself. Because there was also a lack of knowledge and experience of hedgehogs around Rosendaal, I went over to The Hague to pick up some expertise. In 1999, this resulted in what is now Stichting Egelopvang Roosendaal. Since then, my wife Conny has also now become involved.
Shelter
The number of Hedgehogs in The Netherlands is declining dramatically. According to conservative estimates, the population has reduced by 60% since the early 1990s. Although the hedgehog is a protected species, they have become increasingly vulnerable to road traffic, toxins (from garden and agrochemicals), household pets, and also a new phenomenon - the robot lawnmower. Netting and other types of garden partitions also add to the victims.
Conny: "All injured or sick hedgehogs (including mothers and babies, or young litters of hedgehogs with no mother) are welcomed in our shelter. They are cared for and given medication if needed until they are fully recovered and ready to be released back to the wild. We try as much as possible to return them to the place where they were originally found, unless it would be unsuitable, in which case we look for an appropriate alternative."
From All Around
"Our hedgehogs come from everywhere, not only from all over Brabant, but also from Zeeland and Belgium. We like to keep those who bring in the hedgehogs involved. They can watch, stay informed, and even pick up and release the hedgehog themselves if they wish.
Up to 500 hedgehogs are received annually at the shelter. About 20 volunteers help with their daily care and in maintaining a necessarily high level of hygiene."
Medical Care
A sick or injured hedgehog can need up to 3 months' care to fully recover. Luckily Stichting Egelopvang Rosendaal has a vet amongst its friends who puts his heart and soul into saving all hedgehogs.
Finances
Although there are contributions from a few donors and charitable foundations, a lot comes from their own pocket. The outdoor pens suffer from wear and tear - a good reason to ask Abri voor Dieren for a contribution to get them repaired.