Sustaining Nature and Habitats Through Core Values
No Walls Between Us, Only a Shared Duty to Protect
Vision and Foundations
Integrity in Action
Grounded in knowledge, focused on conservation
Our mission is deeply rooted in both scientific integrity and moral responsibility. Every decision we make , from wildlife rescue protocols to long-term habitat strategies is guided by evidence, not convenience, and aligned with our duty to protect biodiversity ethically and transparently.
We actively collaborate with academic institutions, including the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (FNM), the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Ljubljana, and the University of Primorska. These partnerships ensure our actions are grounded in the most current ecological, veterinary, and biological research.
Together with these institutions, we co-develop monitoring frameworks, implement species-specific care protocols, and contribute to a science-based understanding of conservation challenges in Slovenia and beyond.
What does integrity mean to us in practice?
– Transparent operations and evidence-based decisions
– Public reporting of successes and shortcomings
– Zero tolerance for shortcuts in animal welfare or ecological ethics
– Inclusion of diverse knowledge systems – from academic to traditional
Because true conservation is not only about protecting life – it’s about honouring its complexity, with humility and rigor.
Principles and Values
Integrity in Action
Ethics as our guiding light
We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, not only in principle, but in every decision we make on the ground. Acting with respect, honesty, and integrity is not a slogan for us; it is a daily practice embedded in how we rescue, treat, and advocate for wild animals.
Each team member is accountable for upholding these values, especially in moments that test our resolve, when resources are scarce, time is limited, or outcomes are uncertain. We do not cut corners, hide mistakes, or compromise animal welfare for convenience. Our work demands transparency, critical reflection, and the courage to do what is right, even when it is not easy.
We believe that conservation rooted in ethics is stronger, more resilient, and more just for animals, people, and the ecosystems we all share.
What this looks like in practice:
– Consistent ethical oversight of our wildlife care and release protocols
– Full transparency in project funding and decision-making
– Refusal to cooperate with unlicensed or exploitative operations
– Ongoing ethics training and internal accountability mechanisms
Because without ethics, even the most scientific plan can lose its soul.
Diversity Drives Innovation
Inclusive conservation, shared vision
We believe that the health of ecosystems and the fairness of societies are deeply intertwined. Diversity in thought, background, culture, and discipline is not only a moral imperative but a strategic strength in conservation.
By welcoming different perspectives, we challenge assumptions, uncover blind spots, and co-create more adaptable, resilient solutions. Conservation cannot be imposed from above; it must be shaped with and by the communities, scientists, Indigenous knowledge holders, and field practitioners who understand nature in its local, lived context.
In our work, we actively collaborate across generations, genders, regions, and disciplines. From wildlife rehabilitators and academic researchers to traditional farmers and international partners, each voice contributes to a shared vision of protection that respects both biodiversity and human dignity.
How we put this into action:
– Cross-sectoral teams in each project (veterinary, ecological, cultural)
– Inclusion of underrepresented voices in decision-making
– Respect for local traditions and knowledge, especially in human-wildlife coexistence
– Commitment to gender equity and accessible participation
Because a truly wild future must be built by all of us and not just a few.
Ethics And Accountability
Transparent actions, trusted results
We believe that real conservation starts with honesty, with ourselves, with the public, and with the ecosystems we serve. That’s why we hold ourselves to the highest standards of transparency and accountability, going beyond legal obligations to meet the deeper moral responsibility we carry toward wildlife and the natural world.
Our decisions are documented, our actions are traceable, and our processes are open to scrutiny. We welcome oversight, collaboration, and questions, because trust is not a given, it is earned, step by step.
We reject performative conservation and hidden agendas. Ethics for us means taking responsibility even when things go wrong, acknowledging limitations, and always prioritizing the welfare of animals and ecological integrity above reputation or profit.
What this looks like in practice:
– Public access to activity reports and financial summaries
– Independent audits and expert reviews
– Immediate corrective action when mistakes occur
– Strict compliance with national and EU wildlife regulations
– No tolerance for unauthorized wildlife care or fundraising activities
Because animals can’t hold us accountable but the public can, and we must.
Gender Equality Plan (GEP)
Advancing equality, empowering change
We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values and promotes gender equality at all levels. Our Gender Equality Plan ensures equitable opportunities, fair representation, and a supportive workplace for all genders, driving progress through diversity and respect.
Actions and Partnerships
Collaborating to Protect
Partnerships for Nature’s Future
We believe that no single organization, no matter how skilled or well intentioned, can protect nature alone. True conservation is a collective effort and one that demands humility, shared vision, and deep collaboration across sectors, borders, and disciplines.
That’s why we work hand-in-hand with local communities, national institutions, and international networks to build real, lasting impact. From veterinary universities and research institutes to protected area managers, ministries, and fellow NGOs, our partnerships are built on trust, respect, and a common goal: safeguarding wildlife and the ecosystems they call home.
We measure success not by who gets credit, but by what gets protected.
How we make collaboration work:
– Long-term partnerships with universities, ministries, and NGOs
– Shared data, joint rescue efforts, and co-developed management plans
– Respect for local knowledge and community-led initiatives
– Active participation in international conservation networks (e.g. Interreg, Euro-MED)
Because working together isn’t a strategy, it’s the only way forward.
Commitment to Action
Protecting Today, Preserving Tomorrow
Wildlife and ecosystems are facing unprecedented pressure, from climate change to habitat loss, pollution, and illegal exploitation. In this context, words are no longer enough. Our mission is defined by timely, effective, and courageous action.
We do not wait for perfect conditions or unanimous support. We act when animals need help, when habitats are in crisis, and when silence would mean complicity. Our teams work in the field, in clinics, in policy rooms, and in courtrooms – wherever real change begins.
We focus on durable solutions, not short-term fixes. Everything we build, from wildlife rescue centers to reintroduction protocols is designed to endure, adapt, and empower future generations to continue the fight for biodiversity.
What commitment means to us:
– Immediate response to wildlife in distress
– Long-term ecosystem recovery, not just individual rescues
– Active engagement in policy reform and legislative advocacy
– Relentless pursuit of better outcomes, even when progress is slow
Because if we wait, it may be too late.
Global and Local Responsibility
Connecting Communities with Conservation
We believe that conservation is strongest when it honors both global frameworks and local realities. Biodiversity doesn’t exist in isolation nor do the people working to protect it. That’s why our efforts actively bridge community knowledge with international goals, building a shared path toward sustainability.
We work closely with farmers, educators, traditional land users, and local leaders, recognizing that their lived experience holds essential insights into coexistence with wildlife. At the same time, we align our projects with broader global commitments – from the EU Biodiversity Strategy to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our role is not to impose, but to connect. Through dialogue, respect, and shared action, we ensure that conservation benefits both nature and the communities that depend on it.
What this looks like in action:
– Co-designing mitigation strategies with local stakeholders
– Respecting and integrating traditional ecological knowledge
– Promoting fair access to conservation benefits
– Representing Slovenia in EU and international biodiversity platforms
Innovation and Sustainability
Innovation in Conservation
Adapting for a Better Future
Nature adapts and so must we. In a world shaped by accelerating climate change, emerging diseases, and ecological instability, conservation cannot remain static. That’s why we commit ourselves to continuous learning, agile strategies, and creative problem-solving.
We embrace innovation not for the sake of novelty, but because today’s challenges demand new tools, new thinking, and new partnerships. From integrating modern technologies (such as GIS tracking, data modeling, or remote diagnostics) to refining our care protocols based on real-time field feedback, we stay flexible without compromising our values.
By learning from each case, each animal, and each community we serve, we evolve building not just better outcomes, but a more responsive, ethical model of conservation.
How we put adaptation into practice:
– Ongoing professional development and scientific training
– Testing and implementing novel tools for wildlife monitoring
– Adapting protocols based on post-release feedback and research
– Encouraging a culture of curiosity, humility, and informed experimentation
Sustainability as a Priority
Conserving Resources for Future Generations
Sustainability is not a separate goal, it is the foundation of everything we do. Every rescue, every building we construct, every partnership we form is shaped by our duty to protect not just today’s wildlife, but the ecosystems and communities that depend on them tomorrow.
We integrate eco-friendly principles across all our operations: from using biodegradable materials in wildlife care, to reducing transport emissions, to powering our facilities with renewable energy where possible. We also advocate for sustainable land-use practices and responsible development that protects biodiversity while supporting local livelihoods.
True conservation is not just about saving individual animals. It’s about building systems that can sustain life – wild and human – far beyond our own time.
Our sustainability practices include:
– Green procurement and waste reduction in all facilities
– Sustainable feeding programs and water management in care centers
– Eco-conscious infrastructure and transport logistics
– Public advocacy for sustainable agricultural and urban planning policies
Because a healthy planet is not an option. It is an obligation.
Impact and Awareness
Educating for Change
Inspiring Action Through Knowledge
Knowledge is not power unless it is shared. At Golden Eye Institute, we believe that lasting conservation begins with understanding and grows through connection. That’s why education is not a side activity for us, but a central pillar of our mission.
We engage schools, universities, communities, and decision-makers through lectures, field programs, campaigns, and interactive experiences that foster respect for biodiversity and empathy for wild animals. From children discovering wildlife for the first time, to policy leaders rethinking regulations – we aim to inspire informed action at every level.
Education is not about transferring information. It’s about sparking a shift – from passive awareness to active stewardship.
Our educational initiatives include:
– Wildlife workshops and public lectures
– Hands-on conservation experiences for students
– School and community partnerships across Slovenia
– Scientific outreach through media, publications, and events
– Active mentorship of young conservationists and veterinary students
Respecting Wildlife and Habitats
Protecting Life, Preserving Homes
We believe that every species has intrinsic worth – not because of its utility to humans, but because it exists. This belief guides our every action, from rescue to release, from policy advocacy to education.
True conservation means more than saving animals. It means safeguarding the complex, fragile habitats they depend on, and reducing the human footprint that threatens their survival. We actively promote coexistence over control, and protection over exploitation.
Whether it's defending nesting grounds from development, restoring foraging habitats, or preventing disturbance during critical life stages, we work to ensure that wild animals can thrive where they belong – in the wild.
What this looks like in practice:
– Species-specific habitat protection and restoration
– Advocating for low-impact land use and responsible tourism
– Preventing unnecessary interventions that cause stress or captivity
– Promoting legal, ethical frameworks for coexistence and habitat stewardship
– Opposing commodification of protected wildlife in tourism or private trade
Because respecting wildlife means respecting the systems that give them life.