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A glimpse of life at the sanctuary
Explore our photo album ↗
You are reading a translation. The Dutch text is the original version. Nederlands
Welcome to our turtle and tortoise sanctuary
We give turtles and tortoises with nowhere else to go a safe home. From Harkema, we care for thousands of animals every day and work towards their future.
Get to know our foundationTogether with volunteers, donors and animal welfare organisations.
Find out how permanent care works and apply for a place.
Find the right contact for your question or report.
Make a one-off gift or become a Friend: every contribution helps.
Care today. Room for tomorrow.
What began as a commitment to turtles and tortoises grew into a national sanctuary. We care for the animals, share our knowledge and are developing a new reserve in Kollumersweach.
More about our sanctuary ↗
Animals, people and daily care
Explore the sanctuary and find out how we care for the animals.
Read more ↗From feeding to housing: practical information about turtles and tortoises.
Read more ↗
Read about our animal ambulance and partnerships with animal rescue organisations.
Read more ↗Answers to your questions
An insight into our work
01-11-2026
We ontvangen bijzonder veel aanvragen voor permanente opvang. Lees waarom de afstandsbijdrage nodig is en hoe we samen de levenslange zorg kunnen blijven dragen.
Read the article17-09-2026
We bouwen niet alleen aan ons nieuwe schildpaddenreservaat. We bereiden onze organisatie ook voor op de grote aantallen dieren die we nu verzorgen én in de…
Read the article10-09-2026
Na heel wat avonden én nachten doorwerken is het eindelijk zover: onze compleet vernieuwde goede doelen webshop staat online! Na maar liefst 12 jaar nemen …
Read the articleTogether, we make it possible
Food, warm enclosures and veterinary care. Your contribution helps give turtles and tortoises a safe home.
