What Do We Do?
At De Zonnegloed, we are committed to helping exotic wild animals that have nowhere else to go.
Our work is based on three core missions:
 |
 |
 |
| Rescue and care | Awareness and education | Policy and change |
.png)
Through these three pillars, we aim to provide direct help to individual animals, while also working toward structural solutions for the future.
Core task : Rescue and Care
Our first and most essential mission is to rescue, shelter, and care for wild animals that can no longer be placed elsewhere.
From the moment they arrive to the point they find a permanent home, we guide each animal through a process of recovery – with peace, respect, and professional care.
The three phases of our rescue approach:
.png)
Phase 1: Rescue and First Aid
We take in animals that have been seized or come from neglected or abusive situations. Our care begins with medical treatment, proper nutrition, and a safe place to rest and recover.
We rescue exotic mammals, birds, and reptiles from across Europe, with a strong focus on the Flanders region.
In collaboration with partners like Stichting AAP, Natuurhulpcentrum, and other animal welfare organizations, we provide a warm and lasting home for animals in need.
Where Do Our Animals Come From?
Behind every animal at De Zonnegloed lies a unique and often heartbreaking story.
They come from situations where their well-being was seriously at risk.
Thanks to collaboration with governments, rescue centers, and partner organizations both in Belgium and abroad, these animals can start a new life with us – safe, permanent, and with respect for who they are.
Our animals come from a variety of distressing situations, including:
- Confiscation after abuse
- Illegal trade or private ownership
- Found weak or injured in the wild
- Rejected by zoos or former owners
Our Core Principles: What We Don’t Do
At De Zonnegloed, animal welfare is our top priority. That’s why we follow a set of strict principles that distinguish us from traditional zoos or shelters.
We don’t keep animals for human gain – we offer them peace and a chance to recover.
By not breeding, not buying, not selecting, and not trading animals, we actively break the cycle that once harmed many of the animals in our care.
Phase 2: Rehabilitation and Resocialization
Once their basic needs are met, the animals are given the opportunity to heal both physically and mentally. Our team works daily on their well-being, focusing on behavior, rest, and building trust.
Where possible, we reintroduce them into social groups with members of their own species.
Phase 3: A New Home
After recovery, the animals find their final home in a safe, well-designed enclosure adapted to their needs.
Here, they can live out the rest of their lives in peace, surrounded by the best possible care.
Want to learn more?
Discover how we help exotic wild animals begin a new chapter in their lives in our detailed article.
Our principles are not only the basis of our sanctuary but also the awareness we promote.
Core task : Awareness - prevention, education, and sensitization
Education and sensitization, the key to the future of our nature and society.
Through education and awareness, we aim to reduce animal suffering and inspire people to engage in nature conservation.
During a visit to De Zonnegloed, visitors are introduced to the stories of our animals and gain insight into the global crisis of wild animals in captivity. These animals serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts who have fallen victim to exploitation, trade, or private ownership.
We focus on raising awareness and educating about the need for rescue, the importance and necessity of a rescue operation such as a wild animal sanctuary, the significance of animal welfare, and nature protection. Through educational panels, informative walking routes, and an introductory film, visitors discover the real story behind life in captivity.
Our opening to the public is essential to make this awareness possible. Emotional involvement stimulates understanding and motivates action for animal welfare. The more people understand what is happening, the greater their willingness to make a difference.
We strongly focus on raising awareness around animal welfare, biodiversity, and the issue of exotic animals in captivity. Visitors – young and old – learn about the suffering behind entertainment, trade, and private ownership.
Nature Conservation Education
Through educational panels, feeding presentations, and conversations with animal caretakers, we bring the value of nature and ecosystems to life.
Animal Welfare Education
We highlight the importance of proper care, suitable living conditions, and the consequences of poor choices. In doing so, we aim to prevent animal dumping and impulsive, misguided purchases.
Science and Research
We collaborate with experts and universities on topics such as animal behavior, housing, and health.
These insights not only strengthen our own operations but also contribute to the broader field of animal welfare.
Core Task : Policy and Change
Advocating for better legislation
Every day, we witness how inadequate regulations lead to animal suffering. Many of our animals are the result of a system that fails to protect them sufficiently. That’s why our mission doesn’t stop at rescue alone. We share our expertise with policymakers, NGOs, and other sanctuaries both at home and abroad. Our goal: to work toward clear, animal-friendly laws and better enforcement in order to prevent future suffering.
Collaboration and structural change are essential to making a lasting impact, because only by addressing the root causes can we truly end animal suffering.
Want to know more?
Read more about how De Zonnegloed is working toward a better future for animals.