Record Number of Wild Animals at Zagreb Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
In the first half of 2026, 1,011 animals were cared for, 143 more than last year. Veterinarians treated bats, white-tailed eagles, storks, and numerous other species.
In the first half of 2026, 1,011 animals were cared for, 143 more than last year. Veterinarians treated bats, white-tailed eagles, storks, and numerous other species.
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at the Zagreb Zoo reached a new milestone in the first six months of 2026. During this period, 1,011 wild animals were cared for, which is 143 more than in the same period last year. This is the first time the center has exceeded the thousand-animal mark in its semi-annual report.
Of the total number, 238 animals belong to strictly protected species, while the remaining 773 are unprotected species. In other words, nearly one in four animals arriving at the center enjoys the highest level of protection. Ivan Cizelj, Director of the Zagreb Zoo, highlights that this data reflects two things.
"On one hand, it speaks to the empathy of citizens towards sick, injured, and endangered wild animals, and on the other, it confirms the ability of our colleagues at the Center to provide assistance to a wide range of species. One in four animals arriving here is a strictly protected species," said Cizelj.
Jadranko Boras, a veterinarian at the Zoo, revealed the detailed composition of protected species that received help. The most numerous were bats, with 54 individuals. They are followed by kestrels (28), long-eared owls (22), tits (20), kestrels (17), storks (13), buzzards (11), redstarts (8), woodpeckers (7), and sparrowhawks (6). The patient list also includes impressive raptors such as two white-tailed eagles, as well as smaller species like weasels, stoats, spotted salamanders, and tree frogs.
"We provide veterinary care to all animals according to their needs. Each case is different. Some animals require antibiotic therapy, while others need complex surgical procedures. Some young animals require several months of hand-rearing," Boras explained.
Animals of unprotected species, mainly pigeons, crows, and sparrows, usually arrive at the Center from the Zagreb area. On the other hand, individuals of protected species are brought in from other parts of Croatia, as this institution is one of only about ten authorized places in the country for providing specialized veterinary care to such animals. After successful treatment and recovery, most animals are returned to their natural habitat, while some are transferred to other rehabilitation centers for further rehabilitation.
The Zoo appeals to citizens to call the Infocenter for Lost and Found Animals of the Zagreb Animal Shelter at 01 2008 354 if they spot a sick, injured, or endangered wild animal. Upon notification, the Shelter's field service goes out, picks up the animal, and transports it to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
