An Interview – Panka Cser

This week on ‘An Interview with WiseOceans’ we spoke with Panka Cser from WEC – Wadden Sea World Heritage Center

Name: Panka Cser

Role: Coordinator of Volunteers & Interns, Sealcare Nurse

Company: WEC – Wadden Sea World Heritage Center

Top Tip: Stay curious and remain open to learning

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in marine conservation? 

My background is quite different from marine conservation—I originally studied Tourism and Business Management and spent many years working in that field. However, I’ve always had a special fascination with seals. After spending so much time behind a desk, I felt a strong urge—almost a calling—to gain some hands-on experience with these incredible animals, even if just for a short while.

That calling led me to Pieterburen, where I began volunteering at the Seal Rehabilitation Center. What started as a temporary experience quickly turned into a life-changing journey. I fell in love with the work and the mission, and it inspired me to completely shift the direction of my career. I went on to study animal care, completed the in-house nurse training at the center, took part in a research project, and eventually joined the team as a staff member.

The process of rehabilitating seals has been deeply fulfilling. It brings a sense of purpose that I never found in office work—where the goal often felt like just helping someone else get richer. Now, I feel like I’m making a real contribution to nature, helping to counterbalance the harmful effects human activity has on wildlife and the environment.

2. What steps did you take or are you currently taking to achieve your career goals?

My journey with marine conservation began in 2021 when I first volunteered at the Seal Rehabilitation Center in the Netherlands. Inspired by the experience, I decided to pursue a formal education in animal caretaking, which included an internship at a marine research facility in Denmark. That opportunity gave me a broader perspective on marine conservation and allowed me to explore its scientific and research-driven side.

After completing my studies, I returned to the Netherlands to undergo nurse training at the center, which equipped me with the skills to handle and care for seals professionally. In the summer of 2022, I came back for a third time as a volunteer to support an ongoing research project. At the end of that stay, I was offered a position in the adoption and donation team—a role I gladly accepted as it allowed me to stay connected to the cause I deeply care about.

Soon after, I had the opportunity to transition into the Seal Care department, where I continue to work today. In 2025, I took on the additional role of Coordinator for our volunteers and interns, a position that brings me a lot of joy thanks to its diverse and rewarding responsibilities.

3. How did you obtain your current position? 

I feel incredibly fortunate to have been offered a job here, knowing how small and competitive the field of marine mammal care is. That said, I also invested a lot of time and energy into gaining hands-on experience—I spent a total of 1.5 years volunteering in various roles related to marine mammals, which ultimately opened the door to a professional position.

My first paid role was in the adoption and donation office, but my true passion has always been seal rehabilitation. Eventually, I was able to transition into the Seal Care department, where I feel most at home, working directly with the animals.

Since I’ve also always enjoyed working with people, I applied earlier this year for the role of Coordinator of Volunteers and Interns—a position I’ve been proudly holding since February. It’s a fulfilling role that brings together my love for both animal care and supporting others in their own journeys into the field.

4. Which part of your job do you enjoy the most?  

It’s hard to choose just one part of my job that I enjoy the most—honestly, I love everything from A to Z. Every day is different, and that’s part of what makes the work so fulfilling. Each seal has its own personality, attitude, and unique set of challenges. No two cases are the same, and I find that really inspiring.

I’m especially drawn to the more challenging cases, where the wild spirit of the animal is still very present. Watching them go through the recovery process and knowing that our care has played a role in their return to health is incredibly rewarding. And, of course, the moment of release is always special—seeing a seal return to the wild is a beautiful reminder that our efforts truly make a difference.

Another aspect I deeply value is working with our passionate volunteers from all over the world. Their dedication and energy are vital to our mission—we simply couldn’t do what we do without them. I always hope that their experience here leaves a lasting impression and maybe even inspires them to pursue a career in this field one day.

5. Are there aspects of your position which make you feel that you are really ‘making a difference’? 

I know I keep coming back to this, but it’s truly the heart of it all: seeing a seal recover, grow, and ultimately return to the wild to live its life to the fullest—that’s the clearest sign that we’re making a real difference. It’s moments like those that remind me why I do what I do, and why all the effort, care, and dedication are absolutely worth it.

In addition, it’s incredibly rewarding to see our volunteers grow during their time with us. Watching them slowly build confidence, learn the processes, and become more comfortable around the animals is something I truly enjoy. It’s even more special when we later hear that some of them have gone on to pursue careers in marine conservation. Knowing that their experience here may have played a part in shaping their path is a deeply fulfilling part of the job.

6. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were starting out?

When I first started, I didn’t know much about seals—other than the fact that I found them incredibly cute. What I’ve come to learn is that while they may look adorable, they are wild and dangerous animals that need to be treated with respect and caution.

Looking back, I wish I had known more about places like the Seal Center in the Netherlands. I wasn’t very aware of rehabilitation work or how much it contributes to marine conservation. Discovering this world really opened my eyes to an area I hadn’t considered before.

Another thing I would’ve appreciated knowing is just how physically demanding this job can be. It requires a lot of stamina and strength, and while I’ve grown into it, I think preparing myself a bit better beforehand would’ve made the transition smoother 😊

7. Are there any skills you never thought you would need but did?

I think the one skill I never expected to be so essential in seal rehabilitation is physical strength and stamina. We work with animals ranging from 10 to 40–50 kilograms, and handling them can be quite challenging—especially since, naturally, they don’t want to be held or handled. Sometimes, it really does feel like a bit of a wrestle.

On top of that, there’s a lot of heavy lifting involved, from equipment to food buckets to transport boxes, and all of it takes a toll on your body. I definitely didn’t expect the physical demands to be at this level, and it’s something I’ve come to respect and prepare for more over time.

8. What advice would you give to budding marine conservationists?  

My advice to anyone hoping to work in marine conservation is to start gaining volunteering experience as early as possible—even if it’s just a week here or a month there. Every bit counts and is truly appreciated. This field can be quite closed off, so showing genuine dedication by investing your time and energy upfront is essential. You might not see immediate results, but trust me—it does pay off.

Don’t give up! Keep looking for opportunities, stay curious, and remain open to learning. It also helps to be mobile and flexible, as some of the best chances might come up in places you hadn’t considered. Passion, persistence, and a willingness to go the extra mile really do make all the difference in this line of work.

9. What is your favourite marine creature and why?

The answer is not a big surprise: seals. I’ve grown incredibly fond of them—not just because they look so adorable, but because they’re also wild, strong, and have attitudes. There’s something fascinating about that contrast.

They’re such unique animals, especially in terms of their shape and movement. While they might seem clumsy on land, they’re incredibly graceful and agile in the water, which never stops amazing me. I have a special soft spot for Baikal seals—I think they’re the absolute cutest. I haven’t had the chance to see one in real life yet, but maybe one day!

10. What is your most unforgettable moment in the sea?

One of the most special moments I’ve had was in 2022 when we released our very first two common harbour seal pups that had come in for rehabilitation that summer. I was lucky enough to be part of the release, having also been the one to pick up the very first pup.

I was standing in the shallow water, keeping a safe distance from the seals while recording the release. As soon as the seals were released, they started swimming towards me, and I remember feeling a bit scared, knowing they could easily bite me if they wanted to. But instead, they just seemed to swim around me, almost as if to say goodbye.

Of course, it’s a story I’ve made up in my mind, but I like to think that, in their own way, they appreciate the work we do here. It was a truly magical moment that I’ll never forget.