Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
10 Jan 2025
Reply rate
88.0 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
44
Email verified
Badges (2)
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Details
Description
My name is Zeljka and I have an animal sanctuary / educational center in grow ...
We are very extraordinary family! We are trying to live all together with no fences between us as much as we can ... REAL COMUNITY BEETWEEN THE SPECIES!!!
We'll be very grateful if you want help us in this mission and help us to grow.
Our family now consists out of: 4 dogs ( Bobby, Tara, Mazica, Hertz), 16 cats (Koko, Kiara, Tiggy, Zeta, Pahi, Vida, Nomsy, Sara, Pongo, Kleo, Botza, Petko, Richard, Šarko), 4 pigs (Micek, Darwin, Maja and 'litle Gigy' - he is quite huge now, but stil piglet in his mind), female donkey (Beba), 2 older hens (Jurica, Katica) and about 20 of their older or younger children of them amd somemore new babies of them,10 sheep (Gara, Grasica, Jana, Janko, Vito, Lisa ... and very friendly boys Pero, Karlo and Drago), 2 rabits (Gina and Jimmy).
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will have the opportunity to get to know various animals, how nature works, gardening skills and here in Daruvar we have a beautiful little center with parks and there are 2 famous Ginko trees 700 years old (they even have the names: Adam and Eva). Also we have here thermal baths and one nice little cinema (movies are not synchronize!) ...
Help
Mainly I need help around the animals and the property. Also I prefer a person who knows his or her way around the internet for my facebook and instagram page. Making pictures and video`s is a part of that as well. Very welcome is one who have driveing licence and could drive our little old car. ;)
Languages
Languages spoken
Croatian: Fluent
English: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
I can teach Croatian if any of workawayers want it ... I like to learn something about all lenguages ... but, especialy I like to learn more english and german ...
Accommodation
A separate studio, now is 3 beds in it (one couple bed and one for just one person) ... Studio is with own kitchen, bathroom and terrace. The food is vegetarian, we don`t eat animals. People who would prefer to eat meat, there are enough possibilities for meal delivery.
I'm ready to cook sometimes and provide the vegetarian food which you can cook by yourself.
But, meat meals I will not be paying for or cooking to you, so if you want it, you can buy it (here is possibility of deliver of the food and this kind of food too) and you can order it or buy it and cooked it here by yourself, however you want.
What else ...
The center is a 30 minute walk away (2 km). There are many parks. thermal baths, nice little cinema ...
We have here a little car and a bike wich you can use to help us or to enjoj in countryside (if you have a driveing licence or/if you know how to ride a bike .... ;)
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Good Wifi connection in the house and studio
Space for parking camper vans
I have a lot of land and space
Can possibly accept pets
It`s important that the pets get along with my animals
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 312641399981
Feedback (29)
6 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Mathilda) for host
I had such an amazing time helping Zeljka. This was my first workaway and I couldn't have asked for a better place. The work was very relaxed - just making sure the animals were fed and maintained and then also a few other tasks (eg raking leaves, clearing poo or collecting firewood). It was so peaceful being surrounded by farms and animals.… read more
13 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Benedetta & Teresa) for host
We stayed 15 days in October, the first week with other two girls and the second week alone.
The place is surrounded by nature and we had a lot of free time where we could be with the animals or relax.
The job was to change the water in the morning and open all the animals, then in the afternoon to feed everyone.
Sometimes we fixed the wood or… read more
The place is surrounded by nature and we had a lot of free time where we could be with the animals or relax.
The job was to change the water in the morning and open all the animals, then in the afternoon to feed everyone.
Sometimes we fixed the wood or… read more
19 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie)
Jeff and Sylvie are wonderful couple! I'm so sorry that I didn't cath the time earlier to write this feedback. They helped me a lot in any way ... They are very nice with animals and the conversation with them is very pleasent. Jeff is a great driver. I was enjoy in his driveing very much. He repair a lot of things in and around the house even I… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie) for host
Zeljka is an angel on earth and her sanctuary is a paradise for all the animals she has saved and raised with love. We had so much fun getting to know Zeljka and her menagerie, it's just a shame we were unable to stay longer. The volunteer cabin is comfortable and the work days are as long as you want them to be and apart from looking after the… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.8)
6 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Mathilda) for host
I had such an amazing time helping Zeljka. This was my first workaway and I couldn't have asked for a better place. The work was very relaxed - just making sure the animals were fed and maintained and then also a few other tasks (eg raking leaves, clearing poo or collecting firewood). It was so peaceful being surrounded by farms and animals.… read more
13 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Benedetta & Teresa) for host
We stayed 15 days in October, the first week with other two girls and the second week alone.
The place is surrounded by nature and we had a lot of free time where we could be with the animals or relax.
The job was to change the water in the morning and open all the animals, then in the afternoon to feed everyone.
Sometimes we fixed the wood or… read more
The place is surrounded by nature and we had a lot of free time where we could be with the animals or relax.
The job was to change the water in the morning and open all the animals, then in the afternoon to feed everyone.
Sometimes we fixed the wood or… read more
19 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie)
Jeff and Sylvie are wonderful couple! I'm so sorry that I didn't cath the time earlier to write this feedback. They helped me a lot in any way ... They are very nice with animals and the conversation with them is very pleasent. Jeff is a great driver. I was enjoy in his driveing very much. He repair a lot of things in and around the house even I… read more
(Excellent)
3 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Jeff & Sylvie) for host
Zeljka is an angel on earth and her sanctuary is a paradise for all the animals she has saved and raised with love. We had so much fun getting to know Zeljka and her menagerie, it's just a shame we were unable to stay longer. The volunteer cabin is comfortable and the work days are as long as you want them to be and apart from looking after the… read more
30 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Daniele) for host
I spent almost a month with Zeljka and her animals in this beautiful sanctuary. It is an experience that I recommend everyone to do, especially those who love animals or are simply intrigued by them and want to deepen their knowledge and their way of life. Zeljka is always willing to explain her view on animals and share as much information as… read more
11 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Cameron)
Cam isl realy a great guy! He is, as he wrote in his profile, realyaid back and easy to be around. You can always count on him to help and be sure that he will do everything you asked from him. It's so nice to cook with him. and have him around ... he is always ready to help and serve you and your animals and newer ask nothing for himself ... In… read more
(Excellent)
19 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Cameron) for host
I stayed here for 6 weeks at Renovark and had one of the most amazing experiences in my life. This place was simply beautiful and the care shown by Zelkja and passion she has for the place is clear as soon as you arrive at the place. I highly recommend anyone come visit this place, and especially perfect for couples to stay together. I miss my… read more
18 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Danielle) for host
A lovely stay with Zeljka and the big family of animals. Volunteering here was truly a special experience, as Zelkja is incredibly generous and warm, the surrounding nature is magnificent and the animals have so much love to give. The work is not so demanding, and mostly involves giving love and attention to the animals (which is not that hard at… read more
16 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Suheil)
Suheil is a great guy. You will have a lot of fun with him. Behind that, he will do everything you ask him. He treats animals very good and i always open to learn more about them and anything. else, what is important to you.
If you are interested in, he will teach you about his culture...
Always in good mood.
During this new awful war, in Holy… read more
If you are interested in, he will teach you about his culture...
Always in good mood.
During this new awful war, in Holy… read more
(Excellent)
20 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Daniel & Iveta) for host
Zeljka is a fierce woman, who overcame many hardships, but didn't lose her way. She loves her animals very much, and she wants to provide them the best home she can, as well as provide Workawayers the best experience. Big part of work is on the internet, to try and crowdfund her sanctuary, but you also help out with the animals and with various… read more
13 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Romy & Fabian) for host
We stayed with Zeljka for 2,5 weeks in May. It was a real pleasure to get to know Zeljka and of course all the animals. We hold them close in our heart now and appreciate the shared experience and memories we could make. It is incredible to see how unique each of them is! Zeljka is trying everything to provide a loving home for everyone who is… read more
4 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Marcin & Ewa) for host
We've spent a week with Zeljka in Renovaarka and it was definitely a great experience for us. Zeljka helped us in an emergency situation, as she made it possible for us to arrive on the same day we messaged her, and i think that just shows how kind person she is. We really enjoyed our time there, as in Renovaarka you get to be close to all… read more
26 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Gwendoline)
Gwendoline is wonderfull person in all ways ... I'm soooooo sory that I have here some bad times and not catch the time to write feeedback to her (which one she is apsolutely deserve!).
The time spend with her was soooo nice. :)
We have a lot of talks, veeery nice talks which I enjoy so much (she is veeeery claver girl!) _ I was impresed because… read more
The time spend with her was soooo nice. :)
We have a lot of talks, veeery nice talks which I enjoy so much (she is veeeery claver girl!) _ I was impresed because… read more
(Excellent)
20 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Gwendoline) for host
I stayed three weeks in march. It was my first workaway and I will remember it !
Zeiljka, wishes to show that another link is possible between the different animal species, including humans. Animals that arrived here have a story, a personality and some of them were destined for the slaughterhouse. There is for example Maya, a sow, who had… read more
Zeiljka, wishes to show that another link is possible between the different animal species, including humans. Animals that arrived here have a story, a personality and some of them were destined for the slaughterhouse. There is for example Maya, a sow, who had… read more
14 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Andrew)
I'm so sorry that I writeing the feedback to Andrew tih late ... it's not his foult!
Andrew is a great guy and good worker. He did all waht I asked from him, even more. He built a nice feeding place for the sheep! He work a lot and not speaking a lot, but if you want he will be very pleasent company to you. I still remeber nice time spending with… read more
Andrew is a great guy and good worker. He did all waht I asked from him, even more. He built a nice feeding place for the sheep! He work a lot and not speaking a lot, but if you want he will be very pleasent company to you. I still remeber nice time spending with… read more
(Excellent)
7 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Andrew) for host
My time at Zeljka's was one to remember. The animals coexisting at the sanctuary is a sight to behold. The daily work is easy consisting of picking up poop, feeding animals, and giving them love. You have lots of independent time where you can start your own projects. Past workawayers created beautiful art, but being colorblind I did not. Instead… read more
12 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Maja & Janna) for host
Hi,
My sister and I had a great time here with all the lovely animals. The work is easy and leaves a lot of time for yourself and activities you want to do. We personally really enjoyed walking the dogs and started working on a gate to the vegetable garden.
Zeljka is very generous and you can always ask her about the animals or other questions… read more
My sister and I had a great time here with all the lovely animals. The work is easy and leaves a lot of time for yourself and activities you want to do. We personally really enjoyed walking the dogs and started working on a gate to the vegetable garden.
Zeljka is very generous and you can always ask her about the animals or other questions… read more
29 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Bjørnar) for host
What a experience! Something I had not experienced before, even compared to a stay in animal sanctuary in Namibia. Here I got very close to the animals. There was one very sick chicken who we thought as going to die. So me and the other workawayer spent one night following to what we thought was her death. But she got better, although she probably… read more
27 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Andreas & Telse) for host
We stayed as a family for only 3 days in Nov. 2022 and we instandly fell in love with Zeljka and her animals and the farm.
She is so warm and welcoming. She was very helpful and all of our tasks were easy.
It was wonderful to experience all the animals up close , co-existing with all the different species.
Our daughter still today talks about… read more
She is so warm and welcoming. She was very helpful and all of our tasks were easy.
It was wonderful to experience all the animals up close , co-existing with all the different species.
Our daughter still today talks about… read more
28 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (alicemsomm)
Alice is very nice girl! She is very responsible and you can count of her that she will do everything you ask from her, even more. She can notice what have to be done even if you not ask her for it ... I can recommend her to everyone who want responsible and creative girl around and very nice to chat with her about everything. I just have to warn… read more
(Excellent)
22 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (alicemsomm) for host
It was lovely being a part of Zeljka’s wacky and wonderful family at Renova for a few weeks. Zeljka has a huge heart and taught me a lot during my time with her. Not to mention her arranging me to volunteer at the local vet clinic, my first experience in a proper practice, thank you so much 🙏
Each animal there has their own unique personality and… read more
Each animal there has their own unique personality and… read more
12 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Ellie)
Ellie is a wonderful girl! I wish her so much to come here again! She helping so much with everything and have the eye to see what is important for animals and and property - she will make you happy with her suggestions. She is nice company for animals and humans. She is responsible and you can count on her every time. She will improve your… read more
(Excellent)
27 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Ellie) for host
My stay with Zjelka and her family of animals was an inspiring experience. To see all the animals living together with no fences or boundaries separating them was incredible. Watching them all interact with each other on the sunny hill or down by the river was so calming. Zjelka really has created a special place here in Daruvar. But she… read more
11 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Sofía Romina & Carlos Alejandro) for host
It was an excellent volunteer, with many challenges and learning. We took the best memories of the place, we learned a lot about the animals.
Zjelka invites you to share 100% of your time with animals and learn from them. We had all the freedom to perform tasks and manage our time.
We also enjoyed their meals and made new friends.
The funniest… read more
Zjelka invites you to share 100% of your time with animals and learn from them. We had all the freedom to perform tasks and manage our time.
We also enjoyed their meals and made new friends.
The funniest… read more
1 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Lena) for host
I totally forgot to write a feedback, so here we go! I stayed with Zeljka and the animals in February.
This was my first workaway and it was such a wonderful experience! Unfortunately, I was only able to stay for 10 days but I would love to return one day!
This sanctuary is different from other farms! The animals have so much space and can… read more
This was my first workaway and it was such a wonderful experience! Unfortunately, I was only able to stay for 10 days but I would love to return one day!
This sanctuary is different from other farms! The animals have so much space and can… read more
6 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Julia ) for host
Zeljka's place is just great! It was a awesome experience with her and her animals! I'll never forget that! She's just nice, caring and friendly person! Her animals are awesome as well, every being in this sanctuary has its own unique beautiful soul, i immediately fall in love with everything and everybody there! I spent 1 month - March 2022 at… read more
6 May 2022
Left by Workawayer (Marta & Javier) for host
We spent one week with Zeljka and his big and lovely family, and we had really nice time with them. The place she has created for all the animals is fantastic :)
The job is very relax, the main thing to do, it's to feed the animals twice per day and to keep the place clean (collect the poop). Of course cuddle all the animals and give them love is… read more
The job is very relax, the main thing to do, it's to feed the animals twice per day and to keep the place clean (collect the poop). Of course cuddle all the animals and give them love is… read more
19 Apr 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Miriam)
Miriam is very special girl. She was quiet and working so much. Always ready to help whatever you ask from her. Her present is so peacefull and conversation with her is so pleasant and relaxing. She is so nice with the animals and people and the plants too. I'm sorry that she stayed here only two weeks and I'm deeply hope she will come back again.… read more
(Excellent)
18 Apr 2022
Left by Workawayer (Miriam) for host
The arka is a very special place for every animal. They are living their best lives possible here! And Zeljka gives her animals all the freedom and a lot of love. It was my first time working with so many different animals and I am surprised how well they can live next to eachother. It's a real family :) Even now I think about Mazica, Phoenix,… read more
4 Jan 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Marie Lou & Jonathan)
It's hard to put just in few words the experience with this wonderful young family. They came here to stay a two or three weeks, but thanks God, they stay here more and we celebrate the Christmass together! Little Luz was a great joy in all of it - wonderful child!
This wonderfull man and woman will take a care of their child and give you very… read more
This wonderfull man and woman will take a care of their child and give you very… read more
(Excellent)
4 Jan 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Jordan & Marie)
Very nice and hepful people. Hard workers. They stay here only one week, but did a lot of work. They are creative to find what is important to do. Genious videomakers - they have a dron and do miracles with it! They are very nice company too in a free time - like to exchange the culture, experience and knowlage. It was so nice to have them here,… read more
(Excellent)
17 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Emma & Dominik) for host
Our time at the sanctuary was one of the best we ever had. Zeljka and the animals are a huge family and every volunteer that joins is happily welcomed to be a part of that big family! You will receive a lot of love at this place from all the animals and especially Zeljka! Zeljka is the coolest host we ever had! She believes in the freedom of every… read more
17 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma & Dominik)
Dear people, I miss them soooo much ... It's hard to find the words how they are nice ...
They will help you as much as they can in any way and, if you want, they will play and sing to you some nice songs as well ... :-)
I think that words is not enoguh to explane this nice people to you, you simply have to 'taste the life' with them ... What can… read more
They will help you as much as they can in any way and, if you want, they will play and sing to you some nice songs as well ... :-)
I think that words is not enoguh to explane this nice people to you, you simply have to 'taste the life' with them ... What can… read more
(Excellent)
11 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Eric) for host
I stayed at Zjelka’s sanctuary for three weeks and had the most amazing time interacting with all of the wonderful animals she has there. Things are generally pretty laid back, and I generally got to spend at least a couple hours a day just cuddling with and loving the animals, which was definitely the highlight for me. In terms of work, there was… read more
10 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Paul & Ragle)
Wonderful people. Hard workers. Creative and very helpfull. Nice with the animals and is nice to cominicate with them. I'll be glad if they come here some day again. :-)
(Excellent)
9 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Paul & Ragle) for host
We were one week at Zeljkas place. It was rather relaxed beacuse for her the most important is just to spend time with animals, pet them, brush them and to be there for them. You have to be creative to find yourself a project because Zeljka is not there to dictate you. All the animals are just amazing, except from sheep and rabbits they are all… read more
18 Oct 2021
Left by Workawayer (Mia & Loki) for host
Zeljka and the animals will always be in our hearts, our 6 weeks long stay (was supposed to be only 2 weeks but we liked it so much we decided to stay longer and longer) was a very unique experience, we've learned alot about animals and their behaviour between different species which was especially facinating!
Zeljka never forces anyone to do… read more
Zeljka never forces anyone to do… read more
9 Oct 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Mia & Loki)
Loki and Mia are wonderful young people. I would like them to stay here with us forever, but they have to go on...
Mia is a great artist and Loki is a very good woodworker. She created great art to promote our Center and they did a great job to repair and improve our barns and a lot of other things we needed here. Both of them are ready to do any… read more
Mia is a great artist and Loki is a very good woodworker. She created great art to promote our Center and they did a great job to repair and improve our barns and a lot of other things we needed here. Both of them are ready to do any… read more
(Excellent)
2 Oct 2021
Left by Workawayer (Annemarie) for host
I spend 10 days with Željka and her animals and it was absolutely lovely and a terrific experience. I learned so much and I enjoyed every minute. I'll be back!
31 Aug 2021
Left by Workawayer (Martina) for host
Zeljka is a wonderfull and loving person who lights up when she connects with people. Her family lives a free and happy life. I’ve enjoyed my stay at her place and her company so much that I came back for a weekend and I will be goint back again! Much love to you Zeljka! You are a beautiful soul 💚🙏🏻
1 Aug 2021
Left by Workawayer (Martina) for host
It was very nice staying with Zelkja and her animals. They become like a family for me. All of the days I was in the sanctuary were full of peace and love. Zelkja is a very nice and good woman, very kind with the people and I'm sure that everyone can have a very good time with her. I specially liked our talks in the night and sharing experiences… read more
1 Aug 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Martina)
Martina is a wonderfull young person ... verrrry nice with animlas ... and very open hearted to people ... she will do anything you asked from she ...
I miss our conversations after the workday is finished ... she become to me as my colose friend and as a doughter in the same time .. hope she will come back some day to hug her once more ...
I miss our conversations after the workday is finished ... she become to me as my colose friend and as a doughter in the same time .. hope she will come back some day to hug her once more ...
(Excellent)
1 Aug 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Joana & Guilherme)
Nice young people! Ready to learn and help as much they can ... Very nice with the animlas!!!! Very talented with social networks, tehnic of makeing movies and promote your work (in my case: animal sanctuary) ... Especialy very nice in dialogue, coultural exchange and history ...
We're become a friends! I hope they will return here some day ...… read more
We're become a friends! I hope they will return here some day ...… read more
(Excellent)
17 Jun 2021
Left by Workawayer (Meunier & RICHARD) for host
We spend more than 2 weeks with Zeljka, we were the first volunteers coming and she really wanted that we spend a good time here.
We never get boring, so many different and interesting things to do like buildings things, go on walks, clean, cook, take care about animals, feed the animals, have long conversation around the fireplace, learn about… read more
We never get boring, so many different and interesting things to do like buildings things, go on walks, clean, cook, take care about animals, feed the animals, have long conversation around the fireplace, learn about… read more
