The story of Ibro the seagull, whom you can—and are very likely to—meet on one of Bakarac’s beaches or at the Puerto beach bar on Oštro, is proof that it’s not only people who love our region, but animals too.

Ibro (who is actually a female seagull) got her name as a baby, when she was found on the streets in Rijeka. As she grew up and matured into a large and healthy seagull, she became very tame.

When the time came for her to soar into the skies, Ibro happily flew off from Bakarac, encouraged by her people, hoping that one day she too would become a loyal companion to fishermen and a true wanderer of the sea, just like many others of her kind.

However, Ibro has always remained attached to people and has no fear of them. When you meet her on the beaches of our town, Ibro will gladly approach you, have a little snack, drink some water, sit beside you, and “tell” you a bit about the love she feels for you, but also about the loneliness and sense of being lost that comes from not belonging to her own flock.

Her tameness, attachment, and dependence on people, as well as her lack of fear of them, put Ibro in great danger—of which she herself is not even aware…

So, when you meet Ibrica, be kind to her!

Until Ibrica herself decides which species and flock she belongs to, it is up to all of us to protect her and to return the trust she places in us. If she approaches you, do not harm her or try to move her to another location, and you need not be afraid of her—she will come to you because she is not afraid, and she is very likely hungry and thirsty.

If you notice that Ibrica needs help, call 00385 95 5321 594.

By the way, Ibrica is a yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis), a species protected by law in the Republic of Croatia. Let’s make sure she is always protected and that our region is a safe haven for her too!