Sokolarski Falconry Centre
A raptor rescue centre near Sibenik that treats injured birds and shows them flying to pay for it.
Updated 4 September 2026
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
The centre at Dubrava was founded in the 1990s by Emilio Mendjusic and works as a rescue and rehabilitation facility for birds of prey - it takes in injured owls, falcons, hawks, kestrels and vultures from across Croatia, treats them, and releases those that can go back. The birds that cannot are kept, and the demonstrations of falconry given to visitors, using traditional handling and flying, are what funds the veterinary work. The presentation is unusually honest about that arrangement and about why the birds are injured in the first place, which is mostly power lines, shooting and cars. Falconry is on the UNESCO intangible heritage list.
What to look for
- A raptor rescue and treatment centre - taking birds from across Croatia.
- Flying demonstrations - which pay for the veterinary work.
- Birds that cannot be released - the ones visitors meet.
- The causes explained - power lines, shooting and traffic.
When to go
April to October; demonstrations run at set times. Two hours.
What to expect
Demonstrations are scheduled, not continuous, so timing matters. It is a working rescue centre, so what is on show varies with what is in care. Facilities are simple. Photography rules apply around recovering birds.
Nearby
Sibenik is west; Krka national park is north.
What to pack for Sokolarski Falconry Centre
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.