Avonturia de Vogelkelder is celebrating its 50th anniversary. To mark this special jubilee, Alderman for Economic Affairs Richard de Mos, on behalf of the municipal government, presented the Hague award ‘Ondernemers zijn Goud waard’ (Entrepreneurs are Worth Gold) to Emely Huybers, the wife of the late founder Jan Huybers, and the Huybers family.
What began in 1976 in the cellar beneath the house of Jan and Emely Huybers has grown over half a century into a remarkable Hague family business. Avonturia is now much more than a pet specialty store. A vast world of nature and experience emerged on Kerketuinenweg, with a focus on animals, nature, and education. The company is also active internationally with its own brands.
Thinking in possibilities
Alderman Richard de Mos (Economy): “Avonturia shows exactly why entrepreneurs are worth their weight in gold to our city. Jan Huybers didn’t think in terms of limitations, but in terms of possibilities. Where others said something was too big or too crazy, Jan saw opportunities. With guts, creativity, and hard work, he built a magnificent company from a basement in The Hague. It is incredibly special that Emely, Jimmy, Donald, and now the next generation are continuing his life’s work.”
New idea
De Mos knew Jan Huybers personally, as he explained at the award ceremony: “Jan was a passionate resident of The Hague and an entrepreneur in a million. Every time you spoke to him, he already had a new idea. Sadly, he is no longer with us, but his entrepreneurship and love for animals can still be seen everywhere in Avonturia.” Avonturia already received the Haagse Parel in the family business category in 2022. With the honorary print ‘Entrepreneurs are Worth Gold’, the municipality once again expresses its appreciation for the company. Alderman De Mos: “The Hague can be proud of Avonturia. A true Hague family business that has dared to dream, do business, and innovate for fifty years. I hope that many more wonderful years will follow.”
Photo credit: Martijn Beekman/Municipality of The Hague
