Wildlife & Heritage Sanctuary

Become part of a meaningful project dedicated to wildlife conservation, cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability in a beautiful rural village in Croatia. This sanctuary provides a safe haven for bears that have suffered mistreatment or were orphaned at a young age, as well as other animals like ponies, chickens, and pigs. Volunteers play a key role in ensuring their well-being while also contributing to the protection of the surrounding environment and the preservation of local knowledge and skills.

Beyond animal care, volunteers will engage in ecological restoration efforts, such as maintaining wild food sources for animals, learning how to preserve wild herbs for personal and animal use, and applying natural water collection techniques to benefit both people and wildlife. Volunteers will also assist in enhancing the visitor center, which showcases historical tools and practices that reflect Croatia’s cultural heritage.

This project fosters a deep connection between people and nature, ensuring that animals, including bears, can thrive without disrupting urban areas. By participating, you will gain hands-on experience in conservation, sustainability, and community-driven initiatives while becoming an integral part of the local environment.

What to Expect:

• Community Integration: Immerse yourself in Croatian traditions, build relationships with locals, and learn the language while helping both people and animals.
• Animal Care: Assist in feeding and caring for bears and their habitat and other animals like ponies and chickens at the sanctuary.
• Sanctuary and Forest Maintenance: Help maintain the sanctuary and surrounding forest, preserving wild food sources and ensuring the animals stay out of urban areas.
• Herb and Food Preservation: Learn how to preserve wild herbs and fruits for use in making teas, oils, and food, benefiting both animals and the local community.
• Traditional Water Collection: Practice natural water collection methods such as Kamenica (stone-based collection) or forest wells to provide water for animals and people.

Daily Tasks:

• Animal Care: Care and maintenance habitat for the bears and other animals at the sanctuary.

• Sanctuary and Forest Maintenance: Preserve wild food sources, maintain the forest, and help ensure animals remain in their natural habitat.

• Herb and Food Preservation: Learn and apply techniques for collecting and preserving wild herbs and fruits for personal use and for the animals.

• Building and Handiwork: Assist with tasks like painting, cleaning, and constructing new volunteer accommodations.

• Water Collection: Learn traditional Croatian methods for collecting water through natural means to support both animals and humans.

• Cooking and Assist with Maintenance of the Common Areas

Why Join?

• Make an Impact: Support the protection of bears and other animals while helping preserve Croatia’s natural and cultural heritage.
• Gain Experience: Learn hands-on skills in animal care, forest conservation, and traditional Croatian practices.
• Cultural Immersion: Experience life in a traditional Croatian village, immerse yourself in the language, and contribute to a meaningful cause.

Ready to contribute to wildlife conservation and cultural preservation in Croatia?