Vision: knowledge centre and sanctuary for invasive animals
Faunawatch aims towards a future in which every turtles in the Netherlands has a good and decent life. We want to change the image of turtles as impulse purchases by showing how much care, knowledge, and attention these animals deserve. In addition, we also want to stand up for other invasive species, such as raccoons and nutria, while protecting native flora and fauna. We want to achieve this through a knowledge centre and specialised sanctuary for invasive animals.
At our sanctuary, we offer a safe and natural environment, with a focus on the individual. At the same time, we share knowledge and inspire owners to take better care of their animals. In this way, we contribute to a society in which humans and animals live in balance. We also aim to contribute to research into alternative methods of managing invasive species, so that attention is paid to both invasive and native species.
To realise this vision, we are working gradually towards a sustainable expansion of our sanctuary — and all support is welcome.
€189.850,- of the needed €1.028.550,- collected
Last update 17-12-2025We are building our shelter step by step — and you can help! Share your ideas, donate, or use your skills to help shape this special project.
Step 1:Location
We are looking for a site of approximately 5,000 m² with existing buildings that are appropiate for housing turtles, or with sufficient space to construct approriate accommodation.
€50.000,- of €500.000,- collected
Step 2: Creating habitats for tropical land turtles
We are creating spacious indoor enclosures for our tropical land turtles, so that they can live in optimal conditions even in winter. In addition, there will be an outdoor area of approximately 500 m² where the animals can enjoy the sun and space in summer. We want to house species such as spur-thighed tortoises, coal turtles and leopard tortoises in these enclosures.
€150,- of €6.550,- collected
Step 3: Outdoor ponds for tortoises
For the summers, we want to create a natural outdoor area with twenty ponds of approximately 1,000 litres each, with land areas where the turtles can rest and sunbathe. In addition, there will be ten larger ponds of approximately 5,000 litres to provide extra space and variety for different species of tortoises.
€1.700,- of €170.000,- collected
Step 4: Greenhouses for land turtles
Three greenhouses will be installed to house land turtles. The animals will be divided among them based on species and health status. Each greenhouse will have a suitable hibernation area and an outdoor enclosure with a natural habitat.
€7.000,- of €25.000,- collected
Step 5: Indoor ponds for tortoises
Ten medium-sized indoor ponds, ten aquariums and two large indoor ponds will be constructed to house various species of tortoises. Depending on the species and its needs, the animals will be kept indoors all year round or only part of the year.
€30.000,- of €62.000,- collected
Step 6: Medical room
A specialised medical room will be set up, equipped for diagnostics, treatment and operations. Here, X-rays can be taken and turtles can receive the care they need to recover or maintain their health.
€100.000,- of €155.000,- collected
Step 7: Becoming sustainable
In order to limit fixed costs and operate sustainably, self-sufficiency is essential. That is why we want to invest in solar panels with battery systems and our own well, so that the shelter can function largely independently of external energy and water supplies.
€1.000,- of €50.000,- collected
Step 8: Raccoon enclosure
A spacious enclosure will be created, suitable for a group of 20 raccoons, with running water, shelters and climbing opportunities. In addition, there must be plenty of enrichment opportunities.
€0,- of €30.000,- collected
Step 9: Nutria enclosure
A spacious enclosure is being built for 20 nutrias, with a large pond and a land area. The enclosure has running water. The land area contains shelters.
€0,- of €30.000,- collected
With these steps, we are laying the foundation for a knowledge centre and specialised shelter where invasive species can truly thrive. But we cannot do this alone. Every tip, donation or helping hand brings us closer to our dream: a safe, natural and sustainable place for invasive species that need our care. Together, we can make a difference — for the animals and for the people who learn from and enjoy them.
