Tile auction raises €10,101 for seal care

The auction took place on the occasion of the so-called Japanniversary – the one-year anniversary of the unexpected popularity in Japan. It also marks a symbolic moment: the transition from more than fifty years of seal history in Pieterburen to a new chapter in the WEC (Wadden Sea World Heritage Centre) in Lauwersoog.

Tiles with seal scratches from Pieterburen

A total of 45 original swimming pool tiles were auctioned online. These came from the pools of the former seal centre in Pieterburen, where for decades weakened and injured seals were temporarily cared for until they were healthy enough to return to the sea.

What makes the tiles so special? The visible scratches left by seal nails. Each scratch tells the story of an animal that swam in this pool before returning to the sea. It is precisely these marks that make the tiles emotionally valuable objects for fans who want a tangible reminder of their favourite seals.

Great interest: highest bid €505

Interest in the auction was overwhelming, with the majority of bids coming from Japan. Since last year, a loyal fan base has developed there after the centre's live streams went viral. Every day, people in Japan write letters, create fan art, make donations and symbolically adopt seals.

De tegel die het meeste opbracht, kwam uit het binnenbad van het oude centrum: het bassin waar verweesde grijzezeehondenpups voor het eerst mochten zwemmen. Ook tegels uit het grote Golfbad, beroemd geworden door de 24/7 livestream, ontvingen veel hoge biedingen.

Volledig naar het goede doel

“We zijn overweldigd door de betrokkenheid en ontzettend dankbaar voor alle steun,” zegt Hester de Vries van Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen. “Het is mooi om te zien dat mensen zoveel waarde hechten aan een tastbare herinnering aan de tijd in Pieterburen. Zo’n tegel staat voor de zorg die hun favoriete zeehond daar heeft gekregen, een dier dat nu weer ergens vrij rondzwemt in de Waddenzee. Dat maakt het extra waardevol.”

All proceeds will go to seal care at the Seal Centre Foundation Pieterburen, now located at the WEC. ‘More and more seals are ending up in emergency situations due to human activity, for example, disturbance or entanglement. Seal care therefore remains necessary.’

Second round of auction to follow

A second auction round will follow shortly. This was already planned before the first auction went online. Other memorabilia from the old centre will then be auctioned off, including original flags, signs and maps. The proceeds from this auction will also go entirely to seal care.