In the heart of Central Serbia, amidst a landscape marked by decades of strife and economic challenges, lies Staro Brdo, a sanctuary unlike any other in the Balkan region. Established in 2015 by Zeljko Ilicic, this sanctuary has become a bastion of hope for horses that have endured the extremes of neglect, abuse, and the wear of old age. At 43, Ilicic found his life’s mission after rescuing his first horse from the brink of death 12 years ago. Since then, Staro Brdo has offered refuge to approximately 80 horses, making it Serbia’s only horse sanctuary in a country where animal care facilities, especially for horses, are non-existent due to lack of state support and widespread corruption.
“I witnessed the sad destiny of a horse about to be put down. I decided to try to bring him back to life and to keep him if he survived. And he did,” Ilicic recalled. This experience set him on a path that saved dozens of horses and other animals, such as donkeys, pigs, and even buffalo. The sanctuary also plays a crucial role in animal welfare by rescuing and rehoming animals, as Violeta Jovic, an employee, highlighted. She remembers rescuing nearly two dozen horses crammed into a truck bound for slaughter in 2020. “This has become my life,” Jovic stated, emphasizing the deep commitment required in their line of work.
The sanctuary sustains itself through donations and the sheer determination of its staff but aims to become self-sufficient through initiatives like therapy riding. Despite the lack of formal recognition and a proper legal framework for animal sanctuaries in Serbia, Ilicic remains hopeful. “We are the only ones in the Balkans at the moment, and we hope that, in time, we will be recognized by the state,” he said. The journey of Staro Brdo stands as a poignant reminder of the resilience required to care for those cast aside, and the sanctuary strives for a future where every animal finds a place to call home.
