ABOUT

GOLDEN EYE WILDLIFE

INSTITUTE

Our Story

Founded in 2018 by Dr. Zlatko Golob and led by Nina Kozar, CEO and veterinary assistant, the Golden Eye Institute stands as Slovenia's dedicated non-profit for the care of protected wildlife. We emerged to address the dire need for specialized veterinary care, combining professional expertise with a passion for conservation.

Get to Know Us

At Golden Eye Wildlife Institute, our team brings decades of experience in wildlife care, understanding the intricate needs of protected animals. For 25 years, we operated the country's sole shelter for protected wildlife, revealing significant gaps in conservation efforts. We combine veterinary expertise with ecological preservation to protect and rehabilitate rare and endangered species, ensuring their survival in natural habitats. Our institute develops specialized wildlife conservation curricula in collaboration with leading universities, shaping the future of conservation leadership. These educational partnerships merge academic knowledge with real-world practice

OUR APPROACH

TRANSFORMING EDUCATION FOR

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Our institute spearheads the creation of specialized wildlife conservation curricula in partnership with leading universities, shaping the future of conservation leadership.

VETERINARY EXPERTISE

Veterinary care is designed for the distinct needs of wildlife. Comprehensive healthcare strategy, from the initial acceptance of animals through rehabilitation to their safe return to the wild, ensuring a complete cycle of recovery and release.

CONCENTRATED RESEARCH

Our research focuses on habitat conservation and the health of protected species, addressing critical issues such as metal poisoning and human impacts. This work supports their survival and well-being, guiding our conservation efforts.

CONSERVATION MEDICINE FOR ENDANGERED ANIMAL SPECIES

Veterinary expertise and ecological preservation to protect and recover rare and endangered wildlife, ensuring their continued survival in natural habitats.

Understanding the Challenges Facing Our Wildlife

Entanglement and Ingestion of Fishing Gear

Many sea turtles and water birds are found with fishing lines and nets entangled around their bodies or lodged in their mouths. These materials, often left or discarded in their habitats, pose severe risks of injury and prevent the animals from feeding, swimming, or flying normally.

Traumatic Injuries from Farming Activities

The expansion of agricultural land and the use of heavy machinery, such as tractors, often lead to direct injuries to wildlife. Animals residing in or near farmlands are at risk of being struck or crushed, resulting in severe injuries or death.

Plastic Pollution

The prevalence of plastic waste in natural habitats is a critical issue. Birds and marine animals often mistake plastic items for food, leading to ingestion that can be fatal. Others become entangled in plastic waste, resulting in injuries or restricted movement. Plastic bags, in particular, have been noted to cause entanglement around the limbs and necks of birds and other wildlife.

Illegal Hunting and Poaching

Despite legal protections, illegal hunting and the collection of juveniles remain serious threats to wildlife, including protected species. These activities deplete populations, cause suffering, and result in injuries. The illegal collection of young animals leads to biological imprinting on humans and disrupted behavior, further endangering their survival. These issues highlight the urgent need for stronger enforcement and public education to protect vulnerable wildlife.

Marine Transport Accidents

Collisions with vessels and injuries from boat propellers are common incidents affecting marine and other animals living in waters. These accidents can lead to serious injuries or fatalities, significantly impacting marine biodiversity.

Deforestation and Habitat Loss

Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urban development significantly impacts Slovenia's wildlife by reducing natural habitats. This loss of habitat not only displaces wildlife but also disrupts migration patterns and breeding grounds, leading to ecological imbalances. A particularly distressing consequence of tree-cutting activities is the destruction of nests, which often occurs during the breeding season. These actions result in the loss of juvenile and unborn animals, further exacerbating the decline of species populations.

Architectural Hazards

Modern infrastructure, especially buildings with extensive glass facades, poses a significant threat to birds. The reflective and transparent properties of glass prevent birds from recognizing it as a barrier, leading to frequent collisions that often result in severe trauma or death. Additionally, electrical cables present a deadly hazard, particularly for birds. Contact with these power lines can cause severe injuries or instant electrocution, often resulting in fatal outcomes.