Siberian chipmunks immortalized in wood in backyard of university

For about fifty years, a group of Siberian chipmunks has lived in the wild in the Warande, the backyard of the university. They are the descendants of chipmunks that escaped from the zoo that was located there. In the context of culture and city beautification, they have been immortalized in a sculpture group on the Bredaseweg. Six wooden squirrels and the cage from which they escaped.

The story goes that the little animals escaped in 1973 when the Tilburg zoo that was located in the Oude Warande closed its doors. All the animals were to be relocated, but the crate with Siberian chipmunks fell off the wagon, broke open and the squirrels shot into the forest. And they have found a good home there ever since.

With a little alertness, the Siberian chipmunks can be spotted on a walk in the woods (listen for rustling in the low bushes). Not at this time of year by the way, as they tend to hibernate. So until March-April, fans will have to make do with the facebook group that follows their comings and goings. Or the Municipality’s wooden statues on the Bredaseweg.