Rewilding Project Turns Tragic: Thousands of Animals Starve to Death

In 2025, the Dutch rewilding project known as Oostvaardersplassen remains a cautionary tale of the consequences of a "hands-off" approach to conservation. Back in 2018, the project faced a tragic outcome when thousands of animals, including cows, horses, and deer, were found dead from starvation.

The harsh winter of 2017-18 had taken a devastating toll on the Oostvaardersplassen, a once-vibrant conservation area known for its diverse birdlife and wild animals. Train commuters traveling between Almere and Amsterdam were horrified to see animal carcasses strewn across the landscape. The pioneering "non-intervention" ethos that had shaped the project for decades had taken a dark turn, as thousands of animals were ultimately shot before they starved to death, sparking huge public backlash.

The landscape at the time more closely resembled a desolate wasteland than a thriving conservation area. Bones were scattered across the blackened ground, and there were no trees or shrubs to be seen - just a "monotonous grassland," as described by the park ranger from the national forestry service.

The tragic events at Oostvaardersplassen serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to rewilding and conservation efforts that considers the welfare of the animals involved.