Bear Conservation

Join a close-knit community in rural Croatia at the foot of the Velebit mountain to help at a bear sanctuary. The goal is to protect the environment and provide a sanctuary for bears who have suffered maltreatment or were left in the wild too young. Immerse yourself in the Croatian language and culture.

The association focuses on maintaining and promoting the traditional way of life and culture of Kuterevo, benefiting the village community. Being an active member means adopting the way of life of the local people and learning about their culture and language. Learning Croatian is crucial to integrate into the community, and you can take a language course in Split before heading to Kuterevo. Volunteers should be flexible, curious, open-minded, and respectful.

You’ll stay in a traditional local house with other volunteers. Facilities are simple, including an ecological dry toilet with sawdust compost. Volunteers are responsible for cooking meals, cleaning, and other daily tasks. Besides the bear shelter, the site includes a workhouse for Shetland ponies, an info point for visitors, a volunteer solitary station, and a mystic place. The project focuses on bear conservation and village heritage preservation.

 

What to Expect:

  • Community Integration: Immerse yourself in the local culture and language.
  • Bear Sanctuary Support: Help maintain the sanctuary and care for the bears.
  • Daily Activities: Engage in various tasks to support the sanctuary and village heritage.

 

Daily Tasks:

  • Forest Maintenance: Maintain the forest and surrounding environment.
  • Animal Care: Ensure the well-being of all animals at the center.
  • Visitor Support: Assist at the visitor center and educate visitors about bear conservation.
  • Handiwork: Perform simple handiwork tasks with guidance from experienced individuals.

 

Why Join?

  • Make an Impact: Help protect bears and preserve local heritage.
  • Gain Experience: Develop skills in animal care and community integration.
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience life in a traditional Croatian village.

Ready to Protect Bears in Croatia?

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Included

  • Airport pickup on Sundays
  • Transportation between Split (where you’ll be staying the first two days) and the project in Kuterevo
  • Stay in a shared apartment 
  • Access to common areas and free Wi-Fi!
  • Three meals a day while in Split (first two days)—veggie, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options available upon request
  • Three meals a day while in the sanctuary but you will have to cook for yourself
  • Orientation on arrival: culture, volunteering, program details, and safety
  • We’ll hook you up with an impactful non-profit project and handle the coordination
  • Guided city tour with top tips for exploring
  • Ongoing support throughout your stay
  • 24/7 emergency support, just in case
Book now

FAQ

What is the minimum age to participate in this program? 18

The minimum age to participate in this program is 18 years.

Do I have to pay money for volunteering?

You are not paying for your volunteer work itself but for your stay with us overall. The costs for your program further include various elements that are part of your stay such as your accommodation, food, transportation from the airport, guided city tour, local coordination and 24/7 support for emergencies. Check the "Included" section of the program you want to choose for complete information!

How and when do I need to pay for my volunteer program with ImpacTrip?

The payment of your volunteer program is done by bank transfer. We will kindly ask you to pay 50% of your bill at the time of your booking to secure your spot! The other 50% will be due at least one month before your arrival!

What is the accommodation like in the Bear Conservation Program?

You will be staying in a rural style apartment in a shared or private room with a shared bathroom.

Can I cook in the accommodation?

Yes, the hostel has an eqquiped kitchen where you can cook yourself with the only condition of cleaning everything used afterwards.

How much money should I bring to my program?

Once you've booked your program, be sure to reach out to your local coordinator to get the scoop on the cost of living in your destination—it can differ quite a bit! And don't forget to budget for public transportation, emergencies, airport drop-off, snacks, fun activities, and a bit of local shopping. Happy planning!

How many people will be I be volunteering with?

Depending on your program and project, you might be joined by other ImpacTrip volunteers, but usually, you’ll either be on your own or with local volunteers. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the community and its lifestyle!

In case of need, how do I get health care?

All volunteers must arrive with private health insurance that covers the costs of any health service that may arise in their program destination.
With this insurance you can be treated at any private or public medical center. The medical expenses will be paid by you and when you return to your country you will have to present all the invoices to your insurance so don't forget to budget medical emergencies.
In the case of European volunteers, to facilitate the process, it is advisable to come with your European Health Card.

Will I have time for some sight-seeing as well?

Of course! We want you to really get to know your natural and cultural surroundings and will provide you with useful tips and tricks that will help you discover the location of your stay like a local. 

Your shifts will generally last between 3 and 5 hours per day and will take place either in the morning, in the afternoon or in the evening, which will leave you with plenty of free time to go explore, take a stroll around your surroundings, catch the most important sites, interact with the locals or simply go and relax! And of course, you will have your weekends off as well!

Do I need to speak the local language?

No, you don't need to have any previous skills in the local language! All of our programs are run entirely in English and our guides and staff are all comfortable speaking English as well. However, we always encourage our participants to get acquainted with some of the most basic terms and expressions, as even just a simple "Good morning!" in the local language can be a great icebreaker to start interacting with the locals! There are also language lessons available for volunteers that can be booked before or upon arrival.

How and when do I get my volunteer certificate?

You can request your volunteer certificate to ImpacTrip or the local coordinator at the end of your program.