At De Zonnegloed, we celebrate birthdays a little differently. Many of our animals have unknown pasts, including their exact birthdates. Some came to us after years of neglect, while others were rescued from unsuitable conditions. For these animals, their symbolic January 1st birthday is more than just a festive occasion—it’s a fresh start. A new beginning where they can finally rely on care, love, and a safe home.
A New Beginning: Every Animal Deserves Care and Attention
When animals arrive at De Zonnegloed, they often carry trauma and fear from their previous experiences. Instead of celebrating just one day, we ensure they have a loving environment every day, helping them rediscover what it means to simply be an animal.
For Ayo, a brown lemur rescued from a French zoo, this means the freedom to move and be cared for without fear. Similarly, Samwise and 21 other guinea fowl were given a second chance. Bred by a private individual and destined for slaughter, they found safety and a new home at De Zonnegloed.
These animals have faced neglect and uncertainty in their past lives. By celebrating a symbolic birthday, we remind ourselves that they have the opportunity to start over, surrounded by love and safety.
Celebrate Their Birthday with a Special Gift from Our Shop
For animals like Ayo and Samwise, enrichment and stimulation are essential. You can directly contribute through our webshop by purchasing gifts designed for our animals. From climbing nets and feeding balls to frisbees and scratching brushes, every gift helps them feel at home and express their natural instincts.
With your gift, they can roll, jump, chew, and explore, just as they would in the wild. It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference in their daily lives.
Your Support Makes Their New Beginning Possible
The symbolic January 1st birthday also highlights how vital our supporters are. Without your help, we couldn’t provide these animals with the care they so desperately need. Every gift from the webshop, every donation, and every adoption helps us create a future for the animals at De Zonnegloed—one where they are not only safe but truly happy.
Join this celebration of life and help us give every animal at our sanctuary a future filled with care and joy.