Ecomare Seal Sanctuary on Texel Island — Webcam Online
Ecomare Sanctuary on Texel Island
In the north of the Netherlands, on the largest island of the West Frisian archipelago, a unique place operates — the Ecomare seal sanctuary. It is not just a marine mammal rehabilitation center, but a whole world where people help grey seals return to the wild. The island of Texel is an ideal location for such a sanctuary: seal migration routes intersect here, and the coastal waters are rich in fish.
The sanctuary was founded in 1952 and became the first seal rescue center in the Netherlands. Since then, hundreds of animals have undergone rehabilitation here — from pups left without their mother to adult individuals injured by fishing nets or suffering from diseases.
Grey Seals: Inhabitants of Cold Waters
The main stars of this broadcast are grey seals (Halichoerus grypus), one of the largest representatives of the true seal family. Males of this species reach impressive sizes: body length up to three meters, and weight can exceed 300 kilograms. Females are noticeably smaller — usually 1.7–2 meters in length and 150–250 kilograms.
A distinctive feature of grey seals is their characteristic elongated snout with a smooth transition line from forehead to nose and V-shaped nostrils. Coloration varies from silvery-grey to dark brown, with dark spots scattered across the body. The lifespan of these animals is impressive: females live up to 30–35 years, males — up to 20–25 years.
Texel Island: Gateway to the Natural World
Texel is the largest island in the Netherlands with an area of about 160 square kilometers. It is not only an important tourism center but also a key point on bird migration routes. Approximately one-third of the island's territory is occupied by an ornithological reserve where migratory birds nest and rest.
The population of Texel is about 13,600 people, and the main town of Den Burg accounts for roughly half of them. The island is separated from the mainland by the Wadden Sea, and can be reached by ferry from Den Helder. It is the isolation and rich ecosystem that make Texel an ideal place for marine animal rehabilitation.
How Rehabilitation Works at Ecomare
Approximately 100 young seals arrive at the sanctuary each year — mostly pups that have strayed from the colony or been orphaned. Ecomare staff assess the animal's condition: if a seal is emaciated or injured, it is placed in a quarantine pool where it receives medical care and nutrition.
The rehabilitation process lasts from several weeks to six months. During this time, the seal must gain sufficient weight, learn to catch fish, and restore the skills needed for survival in the wild. The sanctuary's core principle is all animals are released back into the wild. No captive breeding is conducted, and no seal remains at the sanctuary permanently.
The only exceptions are permanent residents — animals that cannot be released into the sea due to health conditions. They live in spacious pools and participate in educational programs, helping visitors learn more about seal life.
Seal Life at the Sanctuary
Two webcams are installed at Ecomare, allowing viewers to observe seals in different environments. One camera shows the above-water pool with female harbor seals, the other captures the underwater space where males swim. It is the underwater broadcast that reveals the grace and power of these animals in their natural element.
Demonstration feedings are held Tuesday–Sunday at 11:30 and 17:30. This is not simply food distribution but an important part of rehabilitation: under the guidance of a trainer, the seals perform various exercises that help maintain physical fitness and stimulate natural behavior. Such training is essential for environmental enrichment and preparation for independent life.
At other times, the seals rest on platforms, swim in pools, or interact with each other. You can watch them climb out of the water, bask in the sun, or play — each animal has its own character and habits.
What You Can See on Camera
The underwater camera at Ecomare broadcasts from the pool where male grey seals are kept. In the bluish water, you can see large animals gliding gracefully among algae and rocks. The seals often approach the lens, allowing viewers to examine details: long whiskers, characteristic snout shape, and spotted coat patterns.
The camera operates in real time, so viewers can observe natural animal behavior: how they hunt for fish, interact with each other, and rest on the pool bottom. Activity increases during feeding hours — the seals become more active and curious.
This webcam is a unique opportunity to see the life of grey seals up close without disturbing their peace. Observing these amazing animals in real time helps better understand their behavior and appreciate the work of the sanctuary staff, who do everything possible to ensure every seal returns home — to the cold waters of the North Sea.
