At De Zonnegloed, we are dedicated to giving animals a new lease on life. Many of the animals we rescue come from situations of neglect or abuse. They often endure years in poor living conditions, such as cramped cages or as pets in human homes, leading not only to physical health problems but also behavioral and mental issues.
Our mission is to provide these animals with the care and attention they deserve so they can recover physically and mentally.
Medical Care and Quarantine
Upon arrival, every animal spends a minimum of six weeks in quarantine. During this time, our veterinarians conduct thorough medical examinations, focusing on parasites, fungal infections, and blood tests when possible. This helps us address health issues such as malnutrition, injuries, or illnesses. From minor treatments to surgeries, medical care forms the foundation for their recovery.
Quarantine also provides a crucial opportunity for the animals to gradually familiarize themselves with their new caregivers, an essential step in building trust. These interactions help the animals feel safe in their new environment.
We also prioritize the mental well-being of the animals. Many exhibit signs of stress or trauma, such as self-harm or repetitive behaviors. Social animals, like Barbary macaques, often lose their social skills after being isolated in poor conditions.
Rehabilitation and Resocialization
Recovery at De Zonnegloed goes beyond medical care. We focus on rehabilitation, giving animals the chance to heal both mentally and physically from their past experiences. After quarantine, animals are gradually reintroduced to living with their peers—a process we call resocialization, which is especially critical for social animals like primates, including Barbary macaques.
Barbary macaques, native to the forests of Morocco and Algeria’s Atlas Mountains, typically live in groups of 20 to 60 individuals. Separation from their social group can lead to behavioral problems. At De Zonnegloed, we provide these animals with the opportunity to relearn what it means to be part of a group.
The resocialization process begins carefully. Animals coming out of quarantine are placed in a separate enclosure adjacent to their peers, allowing them to see and smell each other. Only after positive interactions are observed do we integrate the new animal into the group. This process is closely monitored and can take weeks or even months. Similar methods are used for other animals, such as bears or tigers, who also need special attention to relearn social behaviors due to their past traumas.
A Forever Home
Once an animal has recovered sufficiently—both physically and mentally—and has been successfully rehabilitated, it is given a permanent habitat with its peers. These enclosures are designed to meet the animals’ needs, offering ample space and enrichment to encourage natural behaviors.
For many of these animals, returning to the wild is no longer an option, as their past experiences have left them unable to survive on their own. At De Zonnegloed, they are given a safe, stable home where they can live out the rest of their lives in peace.
How You Can Help: Symbolically Adopt an Animal
Our care for these animals is intensive and long-term, and we can only continue this work with the support of our community.
By symbolically adopting an animal, you help us provide the medical care and rehabilitation they need. Together, we can give these animals a chance at a new, happy life.
Want to learn more about our animals and how you can help? Visit our adoption page and see how your support directly contributes to their well-being.