Split Zoo

Split Zoo, officially known as the Split Science Museum and Zoological Garden (Croatian: Prirodoslovni muzej i zoološki vrt grada Splita), was a zoological institution situated on Marjan hill in Split, Croatia. The museum itself presented collections related to mineralogy and geology.

History and Closure

The zoo faced significant criticism from animal rights groups for many years, leading to protests regarding the welfare of its animals. Despite these concerns, the situation for the animals reportedly did not improve, and shocked tourists frequently lodged complaints with Croatian animal protection groups. In 2014, the zoo announced its intention to close and relocate all its animals.

Artistic Repurposing

Following the zoo's closure in 2014, an artists' collective, founded by artist Hrvoje Cokarich, intervened in June 2015 to assist the remaining animals. Recognizing that animals or objects without a perceived purpose often face neglect, the collective sought to establish new roles for the animals. Their aim was to generate publicity and demonstrate the utility or potential profit from these new purposes, thereby encouraging public and governmental support for the animals' care.

Since 2016, the collective has invited national and international artists to participate in week-long residencies. These artists develop projects focused on or involving the donkeys, seeking to create alternative purposes that help prevent their extinction and ensure their continued well-being. Numerous artists, including Hrvoje Cokaric, Vanja Pagar, and Darko Skrobonja, have participated in this initiative.