Fleur Neeleman has been named the first Rotterdam Animal Friend of the Year. She received an award on Friday, October 3, from Alderman Tim Versnel (Animal Welfare).
This is the first time that Rotterdam has chosen an Animal Friend of the Year. Fleur volunteers for Vogelklas Karel Schot. Link opens an external page. That is a shelter for birds and small mammals at Afrikaanderplein. In her daily life, Fleur is a student at the Willem de Kooning Academy.
When the award ceremony began on Friday afternoon in the Town Halls Citizen Hall, Fleur didnt even know she was nominated. Alderman Versnel praised Fleurs commitment to the Vogelklas. That full commitment makes the difference. For the animals that are taken in but also for the colleagues with whom Fleur works.
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The 2nd place went to Corina van der Mede from Stichting Pawzz. Link opens an external page. 16-year-old Nora, a volunteer at city farm De Molenwei. Link opens an external page, came in 3rd in the Animal Friend of the Year election.
Election
Animal welfare organizations largely rely on the efforts of volunteers. They are therefore very important for animal welfare in Rotterdam. Ultimately, there were 11 nominees.
A jury of 3 experts – including a ranger – looked at the 11 nominations to choose the Animal Friend of the Year 2025. In selecting the Animal Friend of the Year, the jury members considered the stories of the volunteers: how long they have been committed to animal welfare in Rotterdam and what kind of work they do for Rotterdams animals.
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Motion
The election for Animal Friend of the Year was initiated by a motion in the municipal council. Council member Benvenido van Schaik of Leefbaar Rotterdam submitted a proposal in 2024 to highlight a Rotterdam animal friend every year.
The entire council agreed with Van Schaik that the Animal Friend of the Year should be established. If it is up to Versnel and Van Schaik, Fleur will not be the last Animal Friend. There are more animal friends in Rotterdam politics and they know how to find each other, said Versnel.
More information
If you want to know what the municipality of Rotterdam is doing regarding animal welfare, visit the page rotterdam.nl/dieren. Link opens an external page.
