This summer as well, our dedicated SUP Patrol volunteers helped protect the last remaining scavenger bird species in Croatia – the griffon vulture. From 1 July to 31 August, eight volunteers spent more than 500 hours at sea and on land, monitoring griffon vulture colonies on Cres, Plavnik, Krk and Prvić, and visiting the ports of Punat, Krk, Malinska and Baška. Among them were three returning volunteers – Antonio, Stjepan and Stella – who were inspired by last year’s experience to join again.
The main mission of the volunteer activity is to reduce disturbance to griffon vultures during the sensitive nesting season and to encourage behavioural changes among crews and passengers of tourist and excursion boats near vulture colonies. Volunteers actively educated boat operators, tourists and visitors on how to act if they encounter a vulture at sea, whether injured, exhausted or dead.
In addition to monitoring and outreach, the volunteers acted as an extension of the staff of the Beli Griffon Vulture Rescue Centre, assisting in the rescue of birds in distress and helping to save eight vultures. Thanks to coordinated cooperation between tourists and the local community, a griffon vulture was rescued this year near Vrbnik on the island of Krk and transported to the rehabilitation centre in Beli on Cres.
Many boat operators recognized the SUP Patrol from the previous year and once again distributed informational brochures to their guests, further contributing to the protection of this endangered species. Particularly noteworthy was the engagement of operators running excursions from Punat and Krk, who showed strong interest and willingness to participate, viewing guest education as an added value to their tours.
On the other hand, a different approach proved necessary for boat rental providers and other vessels used independently by tourists, as this type of service provider generally does not see added value in educating their clients.
The SUP Patrol is a volunteer activity carried out within the LIFE SUPport project, in cooperation with the Public Institution Priroda and the Association BIOM. The long-term goal of the activity is to raise awareness among the local community and tourists about responsible enjoyment of nature and to provide guidance on what to do when encountering a vulture in distress.
If you spot a vulture in trouble, call 112 immediately.
Ema Mađar
“SUP Patrol is one of my favourite volunteer experiences I have ever taken part in. Every time we went out to sea, we visited the cliffs where griffon vultures live and communicated with nearby boats to prevent them from disturbing young birds that are just learning to fly. At the Beli Griffon Vulture Visitor Centre and Rescue Centre, I toured the exhibition with other volunteers and learned a lot from the staff about caring for vultures. Our free time was spent socialising, swimming and exploring Beli. I would gladly do the SUP Patrol again and recommend it to anyone who loves the sea and magnificent birds like griffon vultures!”
Nikolaj Makuc
“Spending two weeks on timeless Cres with a great group of people is wonderful. But sailing along the entire Kvarner coast, diving in secluded bays and watching vultures glide along steep cliffs is something else entirely. I’m happy I was able to contribute in this way to the conservation of these beautiful islands. Rescuing three chicks, encountering dolphins up close and avoiding a summer storm – these are moments that will stay with me forever.”
Gita Gluhak Magdić
“SUP Patrol was an interesting, educational and fun experience! I had the opportunity to observe griffon vultures up close in their natural habitat and to handle them during rescue operations. It was also my first time spending full working days at sea, so I learned a lot about seamanship. Due to bad weather throughout the summer, we couldn’t go out every day, but on our days off I had the chance to explore Beli. Together with the other volunteers, I visited restaurants, a summer festival and even a forest labyrinth. All in all, a fantastic way to spend a summer holiday!”
Tea Županović
“SUP Patrol exceeded my expectations. The volunteers and staff of BIOM and the Beli Griffon Vulture Rescue Centre were very welcoming and informative, and I learned a lot not only about griffon vultures but also about other protected species in the northern Adriatic. SUP Patrol is an ideal opportunity for anyone who wants to get to know wild birds more closely, as it includes theoretical guidance, rescue, feeding and care – all, of course, in agreement with the volunteer and under expert supervision. It was an unforgettable experience, and I hope to repeat it.”
Antonio Čanadi
“Volunteering in the SUP Patrol was a fulfilling experience for the second year in a row. Although I took part in fewer rescue operations this year, I learned many new things from them. I was especially pleased to see the positive attitude of tourist boats we encountered every day and the fact that they remembered us from last year and were willing to cooperate. I would also highlight that there were no incidents with any boats this year, which shows that most people are willing to help protect vultures – they just need the right information.”
Stella Jud
“Volunteering at the griffon vulture rescue centre was an unforgettable experience. Every day we went out to sea by inflatable boat and visited nests located high on the cliffs. Sometimes young vultures, while learning to fly, would end up in the sea, and we would rescue them and bring them to the centre for recovery. I loved it – nature, animals and teamwork – and I would definitely do it again.”
