Seals

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The Zeehondencrèche Lenie 't Hart is a seal rehabilitation and research centre in the village of Pieterburen in the province of Groningen ,The Netherlands.

Lenie ‘t Hart has been rehabilitating sick and injured seals since the centre was founded in Pieterburen in 1971. The centre has evolved from a simple ‘crèche’ for young seals to a scientific research-based seal hospital, with accompanying facilities such as quarantines, a laboratory, a chemist and modern research facilities. Hundreds of seals are cared for annually. The center rescues seals that have been injured by boats or fishing nets and those that have been sickened due to pollution. The center also rescues orphaned pups. All rehabilitated seals are released into the wild after their rehabilitation period, which lasts from several weeks to a maximum of six months. None of the animals remain in captivity and none of the seals are bred. The center also collects pieces of fishing nets that float in the sea and injure the animals. The center is open to visitors daily.