Stef and Frederike open the first wildlife shelter in Utrecht: ‘The main visitor is the hedgehog’

Stef Arens and Frederike Lijffijt launch the Snorhaar Foundation: the first shelter for small wild mammals in the province of Utrecht. How exactly does that work? Frederike answers four questions about the shelter.

What kind of wildlife do we have in Utrecht?

“We have a lot of different wildlife in and around the city. From birds and insects to mammals. The Snorhaar Foundation takes care of small wild mammals; hedgehogs, squirrels, rabbits and hares. There is already a bird sanctuary in Utrecht. The main visitor to the shelter is the hedgehog. The hedgehog lives close to people, such as in our gardens. And they are easy to grab. They don’t run away, they curl up.”

Can everyone view the wild animals in the shelter?

“No Unfortunately. We understand that everyone is very curious, but we would like to keep the peace for the animals. And we are busy taking care of the animals ourselves. That is why the shelter is not open to visitors. People can visit the shelter during the opening. And we will regularly give open days or guided tours, so that people can still have a look.”

Can Utrecht residents bring found game to you?

“Yes, if it concerns a hedgehog, squirrel, rabbit or hare. We do want people to call in advance. Then we see together whether an animal really needs help. If so, we will prepare for the animal’s arrival.”

How does it work?

“If an animal needs help, the animal ambulance or people can take the animal to the shelter themselves. We assess whether we can care for the animal ourselves or whether treatment by the vet is necessary. We care for the sick, weak, injured or orphaned animal in the shelter and release it again when it is healthy.”

“We work together with many people for this, such as animal ambulances, the vet, and other wildlife shelters (for advice). And Steck garden center has certainly given us a nice spot for the next five years. We have created an exhibition space here. To run the shelter we depend on donations, funds and subsidies. People can support the Snorhaar Foundation by becoming a big or small friend of ours.”

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