People sometimes place poisoned baits in the environment to eliminate predators and protect livestock and other domestic animals. But poison does not discriminate. Although the main target is most often predators such as wolves or jackals, the consequences are much more far-reaching. Other endangered species, like the Eurasian griffon vulture and the golden eagle, often fall victim to the poisoned baits despite not being the intended target.
A VICIOUS CYCLE
Although illegal, poisoning wildlife has been normalized in the region for generations. In the mid-20th century, entire villages would distribute the poison collectively – it was an event in which the whole community participated. Once poisoning became illegal, the act became less public, but it remained widespread and still poses a significant danger to people, animals and the ecosystem.
Those who still poison wild animals today do so because they saw their fathers doing it – they in turn used poisoned baits because they followed the example set by the generation before them. To break out of this vicious cycle, we must raise a new generation that understands that poisoning wildlife is not the solution, and instead teach them about the importance of balance within ecosystems.
NOT A FAIRY TALE, BUT A FABLE
To make this problem more understandable to children, we’ve prepared the picture book Fables That Protect Nature. The book explains the importance of conserving nature in a child-friendly way, through rhymed fables and the illustrated characters of the Wolf, the Ant, the Lynx, and the kind-hearted Hunter, and also encourages parents to talk to their children about treating nature responsibly and coexisting with all living beings in harmony.
The picture book is available for download here, and it can also be found on the shelves of children’s libraries across Croatia.
Fables that protect nature
Report animal poisoning by calling 112.
Animal poisoning isn't a fable — it's a harsh reality.
Animal poisoning isn't a fable — it's a harsh reality. Report animal poisoning by calling 112.
Credits
Señor
Jurica Ćorluka ~ Head of creative, copywriter, fables author | Tomislav Fabijanić ~ Head of design | Nikša Modrić ~ Copywriter | Ena Bebek ~ Account manager | Iva Kaligarić ~ Strategic Director
Biom Association
Bolesław Słociński ~ Program manager | Marija Martinko Ivanov ~ Senior nature conservation officer | Iva Šoštarić ~ Public outreach program manager | Goran Šikić ~ Senior communications officer | Melani Glavinić ~ Communications officer | Tanja Starčević ~ Senior associate for finance and administration
Associates
Damir Mazinjanin ~ Illustrator | Evelina Rudan Kapec ~ Professional associate
