Get involved to protect the bear in Croatia. Join a rural community in Croatia, at the foot of the Velebit mountains, to protect the brown bear in a sanctuary. All volunteer programs in Europe here.
Bear protection in Croatia
The project in which you will be involved was created in 2002, in cooperation with Croatian universities. Initially, the sanctuary was intended to take in cubs separated from their mothers who had been in contact with humans and whose chances of survival in their natural environment had become very low. Over the years, the sanctuary has taken in bears from former zoos, who had been illegally detained or mistreated. Today, the sanctuary has become a reference point for bear protection and the issues surrounding the coexistence of man and large carnivores.
Showcasing a traditional way of life
Today, the Croatian association provides a healthy home for the bears, enabling them to live in the wildest possible environment. But their mission goes far beyond conservation. It also supports the village's traditional way of life, perpetuating the culture of Kuterevo.
Get involved to protect the bear in Croatia
You'll experience life with villagers who perpetuate a traditional culture, while contributing to the well-being of people and animals! This means that you'll have to adopt the lifestyle of the local population, and learn their culture and language. Indeed, learning the Croatian language is essential for integrating into the community. You can take a language course in Split before heading to Kuterevo, or online.
Here are the daily tasks you will be involved in as a volunteer
- Forest maintenance: Maintaining the forest and its environment ;
- Animal care: Ensure the well-being of all animals at the center;
- Visitor support: Help out at the visitor center and educate visitors about bear conservation;
- Manual tasks: Perform simple manual tasks with the help of experienced staff.
Dates and prices
- All year round
- Four weeks minimum
- 4 weeks: €2,495 - €435 per additional week
Included in price
Pick-up at the airport on Sunday;
Transport between Split (where you will stay for the first two days) and the project in Kuterevo;
Stay in a shared apartment;
Access to common areas and free Wi-Fi!
Included in price
- Three meals a day during your stay in Split (first two days) - vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options available on request;
- Three meals a day in the sanctuary, but you'll have to cook for yourself;
- Orientation on arrival: culture, volunteering, program details and safety;
- Coordination, emergency assistance and ongoing support throughout your stay provided by Impact Trip.
Not included in price
- Journey to Split ;
- Airport pick-up on dates other than Sunday;
- Return to the airport ;
- Personal expenses ;
- Transport between Kuterevo and Split ;
- Travel insurance.
- Volunteers must be flexible, curious, open-minded and respectful.
- From age 18
- Languages: English intermediate; Croatian (basic)
- One month minimum
Housing
You'll stay in a traditional local house with other volunteers. Facilities are simple and include ecological dry toilets with sawdust compost. Volunteers are responsible for meal preparation, cleaning and other daily chores.
Food
Food is fully covered for the first two days.
A kitchen is available on site for the rest of the stay.
Arrival
Volunteers arrive in Split on Sunday and sleep in a hotel with all the other international volunteers!
On Monday, they visit Split. Tuesday is also spent in Split, either visiting the city or doing a one-off volunteer activity (it's your choice).
On Wednesday, they'll drive to the bear sanctuary with a coordinator.
Located in the mountainous area of Velebit, the town of Kuturevo is a peaceful place surrounded by nature. There's a river nearby, perfect for a refreshing swim in summer, and plenty of outdoor activities! The Velebit National Park is nearby. The locals are excellent farmers, which means there's plenty of local produce to sample. The nearest large town is 14 km away and can be reached by public transport!
You can always spend your weekends in Split with other international volunteers!
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About the partner
ImpacTrip is a social enterprise whose mission is to support and strengthen the work of non-profit social and environmental organizations. The company was founded in 2015 by Rita and Diogo, two social entrepreneurs who wanted to change the way people travel. ImpacTrip offers travelers the chance to integrate various projects, mainly in Europe. It is B Corp certified, meaning it reconciles social and environmental objectives with profit. The B Corp community works to reduce inequality, lower poverty levels, build healthier environments and stronger communities, and create more high-quality jobs with dignity and purpose. All Impactrip missions.
