In the Sarajevo suburbs of Hrasnica, the Bambi Zoo Center serves as a haven for nearly 150 animals that have been injured, abandoned, or otherwise abused.
It accommodates domestic, wild, and exotic animals in a unique space, ensuring they have all the necessary care. Melvis Lokvančić, the center’s young founder, showers them with love and demonstrates the importance of protecting and caring for animals.
It all started when 17-year-old Melvis found Bambi, a wounded fawn that he took care of and created a home for. He could never have imagined that his dream of helping, protecting, and caring for animals would become a reality. Bambi has since been joined by numerous animals at the sanctuary and may soon be joined by many more, including kangaroos, monkeys, and alpacas. One of the center’s main goals is to educate young people about how to treat animals properly, gain their trust, and protect them.
“It all started with a small idea, a desire to help one animal. I never dreamed that it would grow into what I have today—an entire zoo with hundreds of animals, from domestic to exotic species. But when you do something from the heart, everything somehow comes together on its own,” Melvis said.
Nada the Rehabilitated Stork
As the zoo grew, new animals arrived, often rescued from difficult situations. Some had been abandoned, others were injured, and many came from poor living conditions. Among them were storks that had suffered severe injuries.
̒ ̒One stork from Pale, near Sarajevo, whom we named Nada [“Hope”], had been attacked by children. When we brought her in, she had serious injuries and was on antibiotics for a month. Although she has recovered without permanent damage, she isn’t able to return to the wild,̓ ̓ explained Melvis.
Developing the zoo was not easy. Along with providing care for its many animals, Melvis has also faced various financial and administrative challenges.
“I founded the zoo during the COVID pandemic, and it was a huge challenge. Animal food prices doubled or tripled, and there were no visitors, and thus no donations. There were times when I wondered if I would be able to hold on,” Melvis recalls.
Along with financial difficulties, there were also administrative obstacles, including the long and complex process for registering the zoo.
“It took a lot of paperwork, permits, inspections… The system is not simple when you want to do something like this. But I didn’t give up. Today, my zoo has approval at the federal level and all necessary permits to operate and keep wild, domestic, and exotic animals,” explained Melvis.
Working at a zoo is not a job with fixed hours; it is a way of life. Every day brings new challenges, but Melvis is always ready for them.
“My day often starts before dawn. Sometimes I go out as early as three or four in the morning to give them food and water, especially when it’s very warm outside. In the summer, I have to make sure they have enough shade and fresh water, while in the winter, I spend hours on heating,” Melvis said.
Giving Attention and Building Trust
Each animal has its own needs and habits, and caring for such a diverse array of species requires not only stamina, but also patience and understanding.
“Some are shy and need time to trust, while others are curious and seek attention. I’m especially happy when I see progress from the ones who were scared or exhausted when they arrived. Those are the most beautiful moments,” said this true animal lover.
Winter at the zoo brings special challenges, including cold weather, resource shortages, and high heating costs.
“Animals eat less during the summer, but in winter, they need extra food to store fat, which keeps them warm. Exotic species, which are not adapted to this climate, require additional heating, which increases electricity bills. And fewer visitors means less donations, so I have to plan in advance to provide enough food and warmth for all of them,” explained Melvis.
One of the unique aspects of the zoo center is that it does not have a fixed entrance fee. Instead, visitors are encouraged to donate as much as they can.
“Some people have accepted this enthusiastically, donating money or buying food for the animals. But there are also those who come, walk around, take photos, and leave nothing,” Melvis admitted. He added that there are also visitors from other cities and countries who support them.
Educational Programs and Future Plans
Educating children and young people is one of the Bambi Zoo Center’s most important goals.
“Children don’t come here just to look at the animals. I try to teach them how to treat them properly, how to respect and understand them. That’s what makes the difference,” Melvis emphasized.
Through lessons and direct contact with different species, children learn about the importance of protecting animals and respecting nature. The zoo’s newest residents, blue-and-yellow macaws, will be incorporated into educational programs.
Despite all the challenges, Melvis has no plans to stop. His future plans include expanding the zoo, improving conditions for animals and visitors, and continuing his educational initiatives with children and young people.
He plans to get new animal species such as kangaroos, alpacas, and monkeys, which will further enrich the center’s diversity and allow visitors to encounter even more fascinating animals. He also wants to improve the animals’ habitat to provide them with a more natural and comfortable living environment.
Additionally, he plans to arrange a special corner for visitors, where they can rest, drink refreshments, and enjoy the zoo’s ambiance even more.
“I want people, especially children, to get something more from their visit here—to leave with new knowledge and awareness of how important it is to respect animals,” says Melvis.
The story of the Bambi Zoo Center is not just about the founding of an animal sanctuary; it is a story of love and perseverance. While many of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s young people are leaving the country in search of better opportunities, Melvis has decided to stay, face the existing challenges, and build something special for his community and beyond.
“What I do isn’t just a job. It’s my life,” says Melvis.
Every animal he has rescued and every child in whom he has encouraged a love for nature testifies to the fact that with hard work, passion, and dedication, much can be achieved. A visit to this zoo is a chance not only to see rare and unusual animals but also to support a young man who has turned his dream into a sanctuary for those in need.
