I have felt a deeper confidence and understanding of myself in doing this project alone. I also feel more educated about diving. It was exciting, entertaining and well organized. I was able to meet so many incredible people who I will keep in contact with. Overall, I would 100% do this program again and am looking forward to trying a new program. Omis is a special place and I’m thankful I spent two weeks here.
Bear Conservation Volunteer Program in Croatia - Kuterevo
This project is currently not accepting applications.
Purpose
Conserve wildlife & the environment
Start dates
Program starts on the first Monday of every month
Duration
Choose from 4-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
5 - 7 hours per day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Traditional local house
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Active volunteers who want to learn about Croatian culture, language and conservation efforts. It is essential that you are flexible, curious, open-minded, and respectful of all people and animals.
Project details
Join a dynamic and passionate community at the foot of a breathtaking mountain in rural Croatia, where you’ll play a hands-on role in wildlife conservation and cultural heritage preservation! Work closely with locals to care for rescued bears and other animals, protect the environment, and support sustainable initiatives—all while immersing yourself in the rich Croatian language and traditions. This is your chance to make a real impact while experiencing the heart and soul of Croatia!
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Immerse yourself in a rewarding project that is dedicated to wildlife conservation, cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability in a picturesque rural village in Croatia. This sanctuary serves as a safe refuge for bears that have been mistreated or orphaned, along with other animals such as ponies, chickens, and pigs. As a volunteer, you’ll play a crucial role in their care while also contributing to the protection of the natural environment and the preservation of traditional knowledge and skills.
Beyond animal care, dive into hands-on ecological restoration efforts, from maintaining wild food sources for animals and preserving medicinal herbs for both human and animal use to applying natural water collection techniques that benefit both wildlife and the local community. You’ll also help enhance the visitor center, which brings Croatia’s rich cultural heritage to life through historical tools and practices.
This project fosters a deep connection between people and nature, creating a harmonious environment where rescued animals can thrive without disrupting urban areas. By joining, you’ll gain invaluable experience in conservation, sustainability, and community-driven initiatives, all while fully immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and traditions of Croatia!
As a volunteer, you’ll engage in a range of daily activities, including:
- Animal Care: Assist in the care and upkeep of habitats for bears and other animals at the sanctuary.
- Sanctuary and Forest Maintenance: Contribute to preserving wild food sources, maintaining the forest, and ensuring animals remain in their natural environment.
- Herb and Food Preservation: Learn techniques for collecting and preserving wild herbs and fruits for both personal and animal use.
- Building and Handiwork: Support tasks such as painting, cleaning, and constructing new accommodations for volunteers.
- Water Collection: Discover traditional Croatian methods for collecting water naturally to benefit both animals and people.
- Cooking and Maintenance: Help with meal preparation and assist in maintaining common areas for the community.
Why do Bear Conservation volunteering in Kuterevo with IVHQ?
As a bear sanctuary volunteer in Croatia, you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving the lives of wild animals
- Supporting local conservation initiatives
- Developing your communication skills
- Learning the Croatian language and customs
- Gaining wildlife and animal conservation experience
- Exploring Croatia’s countryside and wilderness
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate on this project. All volunteers must speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a recent criminal background check.
A requirement for joining this project is knowing basic Croatian. If you don’t, however, that is no problem at all as 10 hours worth of online Croatian language lessons with a local teacher in Croatia are already included in your Program Fee.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Croatia photo gallery
IVHQ Bear Conservation project in Croatia
IVHQ Bear Conservation project in Croatia
IVHQ Bear Conservation project in Croatia
IVHQ Bear Conservation project in Croatia
IVHQ Bear Conservation project in Croatia
Exploring Split during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Split during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Split, Croatia during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Split during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Split during an IVHQ weekend
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
Kuterevo is a 3 hour drive from Split and situated in the mountain bay of Velebit, surrounded by nature. It’s a peaceful town where no one is a foreigner. There is a river nearby, perfect for a refreshing swim in the summer and many other outdoor activities! National park Velebit is just around the corner, and the sea is not far either. The local people who live there are excellent farmers meaning there’s plenty of local produce to enjoy. The nearest big town is 14km away and it can be reached using public transport.
Arrival and orientation
The Bear Conservation project begins on the first Monday of every month, and you need to arrive in Split on the Sunday before your chosen start date.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Split International Airport (SPU). The cost of your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation, approximately 40 minutes away for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday night. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Croatia prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a meeting point in Split on the Sunday before your program start date. You are also free to make your own way to the volunteer accommodation.
On Monday, orientation is hosted by our local team in Croatia and runs for a full day. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Croatia – an introduction to Croatia, Croatian customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Croatia, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
On the day after your orientation (Tuesday), you will spend the day in Split either exploring the city or volunteering on a project for that one day.
On Wednesday you will be taken to the bear sanctuary so that you can start volunteering.
Volunteer schedule example
A volunteer day is subject to change depending on your specific project and placement. A typical daily schedule might be as follows:
| 8AM - 9AM | Breakfast at the accommodation. |
| 9 AM | Morning meeting with the team and organization of the common areas of the facilities + cleaning and preparing the park paths and feeding the bears. |
| 1PM - 2PM | Cooking lunch together with the other volunteers. |
| 2PM | Guided visits to the park + working on specific awareness projects. |
| 8PM | Cooking dinner together with the other volunteers. |
Accommodation and WiFi
For an authentic and enriching experience, you will be accommodated in a traditional local house, located on the same site as the bear sanctuary. This unique setting allows you to live in harmony with nature while working closely with other dedicated volunteers.
Share a simple yet cozy room with one other volunteer. Our accommodations provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay, including bedding, towels, a shared bathroom, a common area, and a well-equipped kitchen.
The facilities are rudimentary, featuring an ecological dry toilet with sawdust compost. This eco-friendly setup ensures a sustainable living environment that aligns with the values of the sanctuary.
Living together with other volunteers, you will be responsible for cooking your meals, cleaning the house, and handling other housekeeping tasks as a team.
While you immerse yourself in this rustic and authentic setting, you’ll still have access to free WiFi, allowing you to stay connected with loved ones and share your incredible experiences.
Meals
While meals are included, you’ll be responsible for preparing your own dishes. However, we provide you with fresh ingredients and groceries, ensuring you have everything you need for a variety of tasty meals.
You’ll have access to a fully equipped common area, perfect for whipping up your culinary creations. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just enjoy cooking, this is a great chance to explore new recipes and share meals with fellow volunteers.
Volunteer room in Kuterevo, Croatia
Volunteer room in Kuterevo, Croatia
Volunteer bathroom in Kuterevo, Croatia
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately £247), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately £247) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 4 weeks | $2,220 Equivalent to $79/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,590 Equivalent to $74/day |
| 6 weeks | $2,960 Equivalent to $70/day |
| 8 weeks | $3,700 Equivalent to $66/day |
| 10 weeks | $4,440 Equivalent to $63/day |
| 12 weeks | $5,180 Equivalent to $62/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately £247) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Croatia generally find US$80 to be sufficient for basic weekly expenses.
- Any changes or cancellations within 14 days of your start date are subject to a US$200 late change/cancellation fee.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Discounts on language lessons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Kuterevo
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Kuterevo program.
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress free ride, arranged by our local team, from the volunteer accommodation back to Split airport.
£59
Airport Drop-off from Omis
Enjoy a stress free ride, arranged by our local team, from the volunteer accommodation back to Split airport.
£84
Extra Night of Accommodation in Omiš (shared room with three meals)
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
From £59
Check what's required to visit Croatia
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Zagreb |
| Population | 4.7 million |
| Languages | Croatian |
| Currency | Croatian Kuna (HRK) |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 |
Weather and climate
The Adriatic coast of Croatia, where our volunteer program is based, enjoys a Mediterranean climate of cool, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Temperatures in Split range from 41°F to 50°F (5°C to 10°C) in winter and 79°F to 86°F (26°C to 30°C) in the summer, which runs from June to August.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
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Carly Sterbentz
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Amina Sajadi
I feel that I gained an immense amount of knowledge and experience about different cultures and also scuba diving. I would 100% recommend this program to others and it is an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture while also making an impact by volunteering!
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Ian Stevens
Don't hesitate to join this project. It is an experience for me that I found challenging and inspiring. Language is not an issue (I still can't speak much Croatian). If you are outgoing and self-confident and can patiently engage with really talented people you will love this experience.
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Amelie Blake
I feel I learnt so much about myself as a person, I was pushed and was able to thrive in situations I would never have imagined. I met the most wonderful people, both other volunteers and the local people we had the pleasure to help. It’s honestly changed my perspective on a lot of things, I feel truly inspired. I want to volunteer, I want to travel.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
