Palić Zoo Wildlife Shelter Once Again Contributes to the Protection of Strictly Protected Bird Species
On August 16, 2025, thanks to the swift reaction of the Customs Administration’s Anti-Smuggling Department officers at the Horgoš border crossing, an attempt to smuggle two Sun Parakeets (Aratinga solstitialis), a species listed under CITES Appendix II, was prevented. The birds were safely transferred to the Palić Zoo Wildlife Shelter, where they were provided with appropriate care.
Only a few days later, during a routine inspection at the same border crossing, a cage containing two more strictly protected birds was discovered – a European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) and a Common Linnet (Linaria cannabina). After ornithologists from the Provincial Institute for Nature Protection, along with the veterinarian and biologist of Palić Zoo, confirmed that these were wild-caught individuals illegally taken from nature, it was decided to give them a new chance at life in the wild.
The European Goldfinch was ringed and released back into the wild on the very grounds of Palić Zoo – within the protected natural area of the Zoo’s park. Birds taken from the wild are extremely sensitive to stress, and even short periods in captivity can seriously endanger their survival. This is why we acted quickly: providing the necessary care and returning the bird to nature without delay.
The Common Linnet, which was found to have issues with its flight feathers after detailed examination, was handed over to the Provincial Institute for Nature Protection for further monitoring. Once fully recovered, it will also be ringed and released back into its natural habitat.
This action once again highlights the importance and role of the Palić Zoo Wildlife Shelter in the system of wildlife protection in Serbia. With dedicated care and close cooperation with relevant institutions, strictly protected species are given a second chance.