Organization of care for sick, injured, abandoned and confiscated wild animals | Организација бриге о болесним, повређеним, напуштеним и одузетим јединкама дивљих животиња

Mankind of nowadays has been currently exposed to serious temptations among which are different forms of degradation and endangerment of natural habitats which, ultimately, have negative effect on human society as well. Destruction of natural habitats, unreasonable hunt, uncontrolled use of insecticides and pesticides, development of road network (being inadequately protected), are only some of the causes leading to mass injuries, sickness and dying of wildlife and, consequently, to impoverishment of biological diversity. Each individual represents a unique combination of genetic material which, unless reproduced, presents a lasting loss for nature. Animals, being particular individualities, deserve adequate care when in need of help. This obligation, apart from being ethical, has also a clear biological and/or ecological dimension. The Wildlife Rescue in the Palic Zoo is the result of joint efforts of Ministry for environmental protection of Republic of Serbia, Institute for Nature Protection of Republic of Serbia and the Palić Zoo aiming at creation of an institutional framework for organized rescue of wildlife. Previous work experiences of the Rescue have proved the appropriateness for such facilities to exist. In order to increase the efficiency of rescuing badly affected wildlife on the whole territory of the country, it becomes necessary, throughout Serbia, to create a network of institutions which will perform activities being done only by the Palic Zoo at the moment. The experiences acquired during the recent work in the Rescue present valuable basis for creation of a wider, national program to care for wildlife in captivity. This program would contain conditions, standards and procedures for housing, care, marking and rehabilitation of wildlife species, which would have to be put in the foundation documents by each institution willing to participate in nature protection in this way. It is quite certain that such organized institution network, supervised by governmental institutions authorized for protection of nature and with mutual cooperation of network members, would give substantial and practical contribution to protection and promotion of biological diversity both in our country and the region.