
After a brief introduction with Piet, the ambulance coordinator of the Animal Protection and driver of the animal ambulance in Houten, we immediately started with our first task. His colleague had picked up a mysterious package from PostNL a day earlier. The kind of package you usually only see on TV at border security. The package comes from abroad and contains two young tarantulas (a tarantula is also called a wolf spider and belongs to the family Lycosidae) that are a few centimeters in size.
Both tarantulas were in separate plastic containers with some paper inside. It’s a miracle that they survived the shipment.
During our journey to the Animal Protection Center Amersfoort (DBCA) to bring the two tarantulas, we received a phone call. A cat had been spotted at an apartment complex in Houten, wandering alone in the garden for a while.
Once at the DBCA, we examined the tarantulas closely in an attempt to determine their species, but unfortunately, we were not successful. However, I was informed a few days later that they had managed to identify the tarantulas as Cyriopagopus sp. Hati Hati -Purple Earth Tiger. After delivering the two tarantulas, we went to the apartment complex.
Apartment Complex Houten
Upon arrival at the apartment complex, we saw a well-groomed and very sociable black cat. Unfortunately, it was not microchipped. The cat did not meet the criteria.[mfn]During our first visit, we only take a cat if urgent medical assistance or care is needed, or if the location warrants it (such as an area with heavy industrial activities). This cat looked healthy, located in or around residential areas, and was socialized. We agreed with the reporter that if the cat is still there after a week, we will take it.[/mfn] om deze mee te nemen.
2. During our first visit, we only take a cat if urgent medical assistance or care is needed, or if the location warrants it (such as an area with heavy industrial activities). This cat looked healthy, located in or around residential areas, and was socialized. We agreed with the reporter that if the cat is still there after a week, we will take it.
Gemeentewerf Houten (Waste Separation Station)
As a final stop, we visited the Gemeentewerf Houten (Waste Separation Station) to check on the stray cats that were released there. They used to have a lot of problems with pests (mice and rats), but that is a thing of the past since the arrival of the stray cats. We counted seven of them. They all looked healthy, and they are fed by the staff on weekdays after the Waste Separation Station is closed.
In conclusion
I enjoyed this new experience with the animal ambulance. It is interesting to see how things work behind the scenes. Piet, thank you for giving me the opportunity to observe your daily adventures.