With the handing over of the car keys, Lenie 't Hart presented a beautiful second hand Landrover Defender to Kees Kooiman, the enthusiastic seal first-aider from the vast Noordwijk region. 'It has a couple of dents, but it is a technically sound vehicle which has years of pleasure left to give,' laughed Lenie.
Kees Kooiman is to be found on the beach almost daily, often with his seal first-aid colleagues. They get many reports of seals, dolphins and porpoises that have been washed ashore. 'The live ones are the most fun of course' Kees says 'but we also collect all the cadavers.'
Until recently, the team was able to use one of the rescue-team's vehicles, but due to a change in regulations and expansion of their work territory that was becoming more and more difficult. This is why the SRRC decided to give the seal first-aid team their own four wheel drive so they can turn out at any moment. Hasty action is especially important where live animals are concerned.
This is the second SRRC terrain vehicle stationed along the coast. In Zeeland there is also a SRRC seal first-aid vehicle in action.
Kees and his team are very happy with the new acquisition. He posed together with Lenie, Michael, Geert and Kim and directly afterwards the car was tested out on the beach. 'That motor works like clockwork', beamed Kees.
The party ended with a grand meal of pancakes on the Noordwijk Boulevard.
01-10-2008 Source: SRRC Lenie 't Hart
