| Name | Karel |
| City | ‘s-Gravenhage |
| Country | The Netherlands |
| Favorite animal | Tiger |
| Favorite travel destination | Madeira |
| Where I met my humans | In hospital |
About Karel
It once started with me. My name is Karel, nice to meet you. I am the nestor of my mom’s fluffy family, because I am the eldest. In 2018, Mom had to undergo a very serious operation in a hospital on the other side of the country. She was in a lot of pain, and very lonely, because daddy (whom she always calls ‘Tiger‘) couldn’t be with her much. That’s why her sister gave her me as a replacement, so she would have something to hold on to. Thus, I initially became Mom’s regular buddy during rehabilitation.
And then Covid came. Mom had just finished rehabilitation (which took a year), and just like that, she had to be in lockdown for two years while Dad continued to go to work. She saw far too few people and was quite bored. And for mom, boredom and loneliness… that’s a dangerous combination! During this period, I transformed from “just a cuddly toy” to a “child of”. Mom no longer left home without me, and provided me with a wardrobe and accessories. Because being in your birth clothes is a bit cold in winter…
Travel with Karel
Karel and his family have visited the cities of Vienna and London, the beautiful French Elzas, and the island Corsica, as well as the Portuguese island gem Madeira, which is almost a second home to them. Karel joins his humans, who state the island “feel so at home there, it’s as if they were born in the wrong place”, on every occasion. Madeira and its breathtaking landscapes and mild climate are a very inviting destination, offering a mix of natural wonders, modern amenities, and historical charm.
It’s always great to go on a family trip: cuddly toys are the best travel – and life – companions! They don’t complain, they like all food and when you go to sleep, they do so too (in their hammock above our heads). If you don’t have children, they are a great alternative. My family not only consists of my sweetheart and I, but also two tigers, two hamsters, and a baby marmot – each with their own story and wardrobe. Together they just fit into a kid-carrier. My little ones accompany me everywhere. But when I’m not looking, they lead a life of their own. Turns out they can be quite mischievous…
Together, Karel, his family, and his humans live in ‘s-Gravenhage, also known as The Hague (or ‘Den Haag’ in Dutch). It’s a fantastic city with a unique charm. It’s home to beautiful beaches like Scheveningen, offering a perfect spot to relax and unwind when life overwhelms you. The city is filled with stunning historical architecture, like the Binnenhof and the Peace Palace. It’s also a cultural hub with plenty of museums, art galleries, and vibrant street markets. Plus, its diverse food scene and friendly vibe make it a great place to explore and enjoy – preferably by bicycle!
Karel’s Snapshots
Donation Partner
Karel and his family contributed to our wildlife preservation campaign by making a donation.
