Our Mission, Vision and Purpose

De Zonnegloed is a European-recognized sanctuary for exotic animals – a wild animal sanctuary.

Our sanctuary operates on the principle of permanent care, with no commercial or entertainment purposes.

Our Mission De Zonnegloed rescues wild, exotic animals that are lost, abandoned, unwanted, neglected, confiscated, or otherwise in distress, and offers them a safe haven and the care they need. We provide these animals with a secure and permanent home. These are animals in urgent need due to alarming or unsafe living conditions or an uncertain future. Many of them cannot be returned to the wild for various reasons. Animal welfare is central to everything we do, and we follow a strict no-breeding policy. Our Approach: Three Pillars To fulfil our mission, we focus on three core activities:  Rescue and Care We provide a lifelong home to exotic animals who have nowhere else to go. With expert care and individual attention, we help them recover both physically and mentally, allowing them to live a dignified life alongside members of their own species.  Awareness and Education We inform and educate the public about the crisis of wild animals in captivity.  Policy and Change We advocate across Europe for structural solutions, improved legislation, and stronger animal welfare standards.

What We Stand For

We focus on animals that have been abused in the entertainment industry, illegal trade, or private ownership. These animals often have no future unless they are taken in by specialized sanctuaries like ours. Even with limited resources, we aim to make a real difference for the animals that need it most.

Want to learn more about how we put these core tasks into practice? Read more here.

What is a Wild Animal Sanctuary?

At a sanctuary, the well-being of the animals comes first. The animals are not put on display for entertainment – instead, they are offered peace, space, and care. They are not sold, not bred, not traded, and not selected based on appearance.

Many of our animals come from neglect, illegal trade, or were surrendered when no longer wanted.

Because of behavioral or health issues, or because they have become too accustomed to humans, they cannot be released into the wild.
We offer them a warm, safe, and lifelong home – for the rest of their lives.

A sanctuary is a refuge. Not an end, but a new beginning.

Want to know more?

Read our in-depth article about wild animal sanctuaries.

Why Do We Focus on Exotic Animals?

The need for shelters for exotic animals is enormous. Many of these animals are victims of illegal trade or are abandoned by private owners who can no longer care for them.

We consistently receive more rescue requests than we have capacity for. De Zonnegloed is one of the few specialized sanctuaries in Europe for exotic mammals and reptiles.

Why Does De Zonnegloed Focus on Europe?

We set realistic and achievable goals, which is why we focus on the European Union. Over the years, De Zonnegloed has grown into a knowledgeable and solution-oriented partner for many temporary rescue centers across Europe.