What should I do if I find an injured bird?
If you find an injured bird, put it in a cardboard box in a quiet, warm place and contact the nearest association or volunteers who specialise in caring for birds straight away. You can find a list of emergency numbers on our website.
How do I know if a bird is sick or injured?
If a bird can’t fly, seems weak or has visible wounds, it is probably sick or injured. In such situations it is best to ask for expert advice. You can find details about symptoms in the bird care section.
How do I raise a baby bird that has fallen out of its nest?
Before you start hand-rearing, check whether the bird really has been abandoned, as the parents often come back for it. If it really does need to be raised, keep the bird warm and feed it food suited to its species. On our website you can find detailed hand-rearing instructions for each species of bird.
How can I prepare a bird for release back into the wild?
The bird must be completely healthy, able to find food on its own and able to fly. Release it in a safe location, ideally in the morning. Follow our advice on releasing birds for more information.
Can I feed wild birds bread?
Bread should be avoided because it has no nutritional value for birds. Use seeds, nuts or maize instead. You can find recommendations on feeding wild birds on our website.
Where can I find information about associations that help wild animals?
Our website has a list of associations that help birds and wild animals, including their contact numbers and the areas they cover.
Are there diseases that can pass from wild animals to humans, and how can I protect myself?
Yes, some diseases, such as rabies, mange, leptospirosis or bird flu, can be passed from wild animals to humans. When handling injured animals, always wear protective gloves and avoid direct contact with bodily fluids and droppings. After helping an animal, always wash your hands thoroughly. On our website you can find more information about safety measures when handling wild animals.
How can I volunteer or get involved in protecting wildlife?
On our website you can find information about local associations that are looking for volunteers and offer opportunities to take part in wildlife protection projects. You can also let us know that you are interested, and when an animal turns up near you, we can contact you if you have the time and the right conditions to care for it at that moment.
How can I support organisations that work to protect wildlife?
You can donate money, volunteer, take part in events or share information about these organisations on social media to increase their visibility and support.
How can I help Prijatelji divljine?
If you would like to support our volunteer work, you can do so with a simple payment to our account: IBAN: HR
Frequently asked questions
Here we have picked out some of the most frequently asked questions. If you haven’t found an answer here, please have a look at the “Blog” page, which contains further information.
