Being Set Free and Released Back Into the Wild

An unexpected birthday gift from a seal

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For my fortieth birthday, I wanted to do something I’d remember forever. At the same time, I knew it had to involve giving back in some way.

As an animal lover, I’ve always wanted to release a wild rescued animal back to its home.

In the Netherlands, there’s a seal rescue centre not far from where I live.

When a seal is given a clean bill of health, a day is set to release it and fellow healthy seals back into the North Sea.

Being that I had donated in the past, I contacted them to see if I could release a seal for my birthday.

It took some convincing, but with another small donation and a plea to make my fortieth memorable, the centre’s coordinator said yes. She also agreed to let my almost 3-year-old son join.

A few weeks later, we arrived at the rescue centre for the big event.

At the time, this little guy was in quarantine awaiting his return to the wild. Photo credit: Author

I was so flipping excited!