The story of the animals at De Zonnegloed is one of survival, hope, and recovery.
At De Zonnegloed, we rescue animals who have escaped lives filled with suffering. These animals come from the most harrowing circumstances—neglect, abuse, and loneliness. By symbolically adopting an animal, you make a real difference in their lives. You provide them not only with food and care but also something far greater: a second chance at a happy life.
What Does Symbolic Adoption Mean?
When you symbolically adopt an animal, you contribute financially to the care of all the animals at De Zonnegloed. Your adoption helps us provide the resources needed for their daily care, food, and medical treatment. These animals have often endured significant hardship, and your support gives them the opportunity to recover in a safe and loving environment. By symbolically adopting an animal, you help give them a fresh start and the chance to lead a happy, healthy life.
Real Stories of Hope and Recovery
Every adoption helps animals like Mimi, a brown bear with a heartbreaking past. Mimi was snatched from her den as a young cub by poachers who killed her mother. For years, she lived in a concrete cage just 2 by 7 meters alongside another bear, Uli, at a hotel in Albania. She had no grass to walk on, no trees to climb, and was fed hotel leftovers. Thanks to adoptions, Mimi now lives in a spacious, natural habitat at De Zonnegloed, where she finally enjoys the freedom she always deserved.
Or take Robert, the green baboon rescued from a Belgian pub. Forced to perform tricks for drunken patrons and even drink beer, Robert suffered severely damaged teeth and trauma from his past. Thankfully, he found solace in the care of a maternal yellow baboon who helped him trust again and grow stronger. Today, Robert leads a small group and is a confident, self-assured animal.
These animals, and many others, need your help to build a better life. By symbolically adopting an animal, you give them the chance to heal and thrive.
How Does Symbolic Adoption Work?
- Choose an animal: Each animal at De Zonnegloed has a unique story. Whether it’s a bear like Mimi or a green baboon like Robert, there’s always an animal in need of your support. You can find a list of animals available for adoption on our website.
- Adopt online: Fill out the adoption form on our website, choose your adopted animal, and complete your payment. Adoption lasts for one year, with the option to renew. The process is simple, and every adoption makes a world of difference.
- Receive your adoption certificate: As a thank-you for your support, you’ll receive a personalized certificate featuring a photo and the story of your adopted animal. You’ll also stay updated on their progress through our digital newsletter and the Zonnegloed magazine.
What Do You Get in Return for Your Adoption?
When you symbolically adopt an animal, you gain more than the satisfaction of saving a life. You’ll receive:
- A personalized adoption certificate with a photo and story of your animal.
- Your name featured on our website and in the park as a token of our gratitude.
- Regular updates via our digital newsletter and the De Zonnegloed magazine, keeping you informed about the animals’ lives.
How Much Does Adoption Cost?
We’ve grouped the animals into five adoption tiers based on their care needs. Each contribution directly supports their well-being:
- €50/year: For small animals like hedgehogs or turtles.
- €100/year: For medium-sized animals like alpacas or badgers.
- €150/year: For animals like ring-tailed lemurs or otters.
- €250/year: For larger animals like lynxes or baboons.
- €500/year: For the largest animals like bears and cougars.
A Gift Full of Love for Both Humans and Animals
You can also gift an adoption to an animal lover. It’s a unique and meaningful present for birthdays, holidays, or as a special surprise. The recipient will receive a certificate and become part of the story of their adopted animal. A symbolic adoption is a gift that keeps on giving—both to the recipient and to the animals in need.
Why Adoption Matters
The animals at De Zonnegloed have experienced immense suffering and neglect. Your adoption helps provide the care, nourishment, and love they need to recover. It’s a direct contribution to a brighter future for animals in need.
Give an Animal a Second Chance Today
Adopt an animal at De Zonnegloed and support their path to recovery. Thanks to your help, they can live in a safe, loving environment, far removed from their past, and enjoy a life filled with care and tranquility.