Vleteren (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – At De Zonnegloed shelter in Vleteren, 5 Agro- and Biotechnology students made hammocks from retired fire hoses, enriching animals’ play and rest. Zookeeper Thibo Penninck praised raccoons, coatis, and servals.
As VRT News reported, at De Zonnegloed animal shelter in Vleteren, in the province of West Flanders, Belgium, animals now have hammocks made from old fire hoses. 5 Agro- and Biotechnology students collected fire hoses that could no longer be used by firefighters. The students repurposed the hoses to create safe and sturdy hammocks for the shelter’s animals.
How are students using old fire hoses to enrich animals at De Zonnegloed in Vleteren?
Officials mentioned that the hammocks do more than provide comfort. They help enrich the animals’ daily environment. The project also demonstrates the students’ skills in creativity and sustainability.
“We’ve noticed that the raccoons, coatis, and servals are very happy with this form of enrichment,”
says zookeeper Thibo Penninck.
“They use the hammocks to climb in or swing from. Of course, we also often see them simply lying peacefully in the hammocks.”
“It’s a great way to recycle. We definitely wanted to support the project because it benefits the animals. We also try to reuse as much as possible at other animal enclosures. For example, we give fallen trees to the porcupines so they can climb on them. We also reuse the pruned branches in this way.”
The De Zonnegloed Animal Rescue Centre (ZAC) was established in March 2011 and currently looks after over 400 animals across more than 130 different species. In late 2025, 5 Agriculture and Biology students gathered old fire hoses from the local fire brigade. This was part of a project called “Pawmok.” ZAC thanks new rescues such as zebras in June 2025 and foxes from the fur trade in July 2025. ZAC is not funded by any governmental agencies; therefore, it relies heavily upon donations and support from visitors to provide care for its residents.
