Project

A wildlife rescue center in Wallonia

The CREAVES

The CREAVES, or Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (Centre de Revalidation pour les Espèces Animales Vivant à l’État Sauvage), is a structure officially recognized in the Walloon Region of Belgium. Its main mission is to care for wild animals that are injured, ill, or in distress, in order to treat, rehabilitate, and release them back into their natural environment once they are able to survive on their own.

Similar centers also exist in other regions of the country under different names:

In the Flemish Region, they are called Vlaamse Opvangcentra voor Vogels en Wilde Dieren (VOC).
In the Brussels-Capital Region, the role is fulfilled by the Centre de Soins pour la Faune Sauvage (CDS).

All of these centers share a common goal: to help local wildlife in distress—whether it’s a fledgling bird that has fallen from the nest or a mammal struck by a vehicle. They play a vital role in biodiversity conservation and in raising public awareness about the wild animals that live around us.

What should I do if I find an animal in distress?

The “Géraldine’s Heaven” – The CREAVES of the Pairi Daiza Foundation

Inaugurated on October 13, 2023, the Pairi Daiza CREAVES, named “Géraldine’s Heaven” in tribute to Géraldine Labille, a passionate animal keeper who tragically passed away in 2017, holds a special place within the CREAVES network in Wallonia.

It is important to note that, unlike other centers, this one does not accept animals directly from the public. Instead, it supports the 19 accredited CREAVES across Wallonia, assisting them in their work.

Equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities (ultrasound, radiology, endoscopy, infusion, and an intensive care unit with oxygen and temperature control), Géraldine’s Heaven operates thanks to a dedicated team of two veterinarians, two animal keepers, and numerous volunteers. The center also benefits from a network of specialists—including veterinary dentists, ophthalmologists, and medical imaging technologists—who can be called upon for complex cases.