Witnessing Animal Healing at the Zonnegloed Sanctuary – Our Expedition on August 10, 2024

The Story of De Zonnegloed
De Zonnegloed, founded by Karel and Lieve, is a remarkable wild animal sanctuary. What began as a pedagogic animal farm has grown into a haven for over 400 animals from 135 different species. The founders’ deep commitment to their mission and their courage to act on it have shaped De Zonnegloed into the sanctuary it is today.

The Mission and Scale of De Zonnegloed
The sanctuary’s mission is clear: to provide a safe and permanent haven for wild animals that cannot be released back into the wild or kept in traditional zoos. De Zonnegloed serves as a “forever home” for these animals, often rescued from distressing situations, including private ownership, the entertainment industry, and temporary shelters. While the animals at De Zonnegloed are still in captivity, the sanctuary offers them a vastly improved quality of life, focusing on their well-being and rehabilitation.

The scale of this operation is significant. De Zonnegloed requires €3,800 per day to function, covering food, wages (the largest expense), and energy costs. This translates to nearly €1.4 million annually. While 80% of this is covered by visitor income, the sanctuary aims to increase donations and symbolic animal adoptions to further support their mission.

Pathways to Animal Healing
The sanctuary’s approach goes beyond basic care, focusing on deep healing in accordance with animals’ natural needs. This is exemplified by their work with bears who have never experienced hibernation. The caregivers provide specially designed nesting areas, demonstrating to the bears how to engage in this natural behavior. One remarkable story involves a bear who, after being shown how to use the nesting area, hibernated for the first time in its life. This approach not only addresses physical needs but also allows the animals to reconnect with their instincts, facilitating a profound healing process from past traumas.

During our visit, we witnessed firsthand the impact of De Zonnegloed’s approach. Esther, OSTA’s administrative assistant, had a memorable experience as a temporary animal caretaker. While cleaning the bear enclosure, she noticed one bear attentively watching her through the bars. This interaction exemplified the sanctuary’s success in fostering an environment where animals can begin to trust humans again, showcasing the deep healing that takes place here.

De Zonnegloed’s Care for Ukrainian Bears
De Zonnegloed has also responded to current events, taking in two bears from the war in Ukraine. One of them, Sandra, arrived traumatized and pregnant. Her cubs now live in the sanctuary, a situation that Karel, the founder, finds particularly challenging. This challenge stems from multiple factors: the distress Sandra endured, the broader suffering of animals in Ukrainian zoos (some facing torture and death), and the bittersweet reality that while the cubs are safe, they must live in captivity rather than in the wild.

The sanctuary’s impact is tangible. Visitors, during limited opening hours, can observe the animals’ healing process. This careful balance between public access and animal welfare is crucial to the sanctuary’s mission.

The Spiritual Foundation of De Zonnegloed’s Work
While the founders’ Christian perspective informs their work, believing animals are a divine responsibility, the OSTA team recognizes a broader spiritual truth: surrendering to the divine and aligning with one’s soul mission can lead to extraordinary outcomes. This alignment with a higher purpose has enabled De Zonnegloed to create what seems like magic – a sanctuary where the impossible becomes possible.

De Zonnegloed stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when determination, compassion, and spiritual alignment converge. It demonstrates that by following one’s divine calling and taking courageous steps, it’s possible to create a truly transformative space. Here, animals don’t just survive; they find deep healing, rediscover their innate behaviours, and ultimately thrive in ways that once seemed unimaginable.