Together for wildlife
NaturaLink is the volunteer association supporting the CRAS Terranova in the recovery and care of wild animals in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Behind every animal set free is the work of many people.
5×1000
Give your 5×1000 to NaturaLink — write our tax ID in your tax return. It costs you nothing.
Found a wild animal in trouble?
Rescues are organised by the CRAS Terranova together with the Forestry Corps and ARCA: the numbers to call, by day and by night, are on the centre's website.
A bond between people and nature
NaturaLink is the volunteer association supporting the CRAS Terranova in its daily mission.
NaturaLink is a Volunteer Organization (ODV), a Third Sector entity, born from the will of those who work alongside wild animals every day. We support the activities of the Centro Recupero Fauna Selvatica ed Esotica di Terranova, one of the few centers in the region authorized to recover wild, exotic and sea-turtle fauna.
Our contribution is concrete: from supporting the daily care of animals to fundraising, from raising public awareness to hosting people in social reintegration programs. We believe protecting nature happens through everyday actions and the hands of those who choose to give their time.
NaturaLink operates on a non-profit basis: every resource goes to the association's purposes and the care of wild animals in difficulty.
Our values
Care
We put the wellbeing of wild animals in difficulty first.
Nature
We promote knowledge of and respect for the region's ecosystems.
Community
We believe in volunteering as a bond between people and the environment.
Reintegration
We offer paths of growth and second chances, for people and animals alike.
The animals of the centre
A few of the wild and exotic animals that have passed through the centre's care.
CRAS Terranova: a second chance for wildlife
The Centro Recupero Fauna Selvatica ed Esotica di Terranova rescues, treats and releases wild animals from all over Friuli Venezia Giulia. NaturaLink is the association of its volunteers.
- ~3,000
- animals treated every year
- 70%
- go back to the wild
- 26+
- years of activity
Wildlife
Birds, mammals and reptiles of our territory: hedgehogs, roe deer, foxes, owls and falcons.
Exotic animals
The regional centre authorised for exotic animals, including those seized: from llamas to parrots.
Sea turtles
The only centre in the region authorised for loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta).
What we do, every day
Many different activities, one goal: caring for wildlife and spreading respect for nature.
Support to wildlife recovery
We support the CRAS Terranova operators in care activities: preparing food, cleaning aviaries and enclosures, helping with transport and intake of animals arriving injured or in difficulty.
Awareness and education
We bring environmental education to schools and the community: what to do when you find a wild animal, why it matters not to interfere with nature, how to reduce our impact.
Probation and community service
Thanks to agreements with the competent offices, we host people carrying out probation or community service, offering a path of responsibility for the benefit of the environment.
Fundraising and donations
We organize initiatives and campaigns to raise the resources needed to support the costs of care, feeding and management of the hosted animals.
Events and initiatives
We promote stands, open days and community gatherings to make the center's and our association's work known.
Logistic and administrative support
We help manage the association's activities: from organizing volunteer shifts to keeping registers and documentation.
Our releases
The best moment of all: animals returning to the wild.
Probation and community service
Giving your time to nature can become an opportunity for growth and responsibility.
NaturaLink is an entity available to host people for probation and community service, in cooperation with the competent offices (UEPE / UDEPE) and according to the agreements provided by current law.
Activities focus on public-utility service for the benefit of the environment and wildlife, consistent with the association's purposes. For each path we set up a monthly calendar shared with the person involved.
The agreements
We can host paths under two kinds of agreement:
Agreement with the Court
For community service work and probation ordered by the Court of Gorizia.
Direct agreement with UEPE
A direct agreement with the Office for External Penal Enforcement (UEPE Trieste–Gorizia).
How it works
Everything starts from UEPE: without its go-ahead the path cannot begin. Here are the steps in short — the full guide is at the bottom of the page.
Contact UEPE
Get in touch with the UEPE for the Courts of Trieste and Gorizia and obtain the go-ahead for the path.
Sign up and file your request
Sign in to the portal with Google, fill in the request with your details and message us on WhatsApp.
UEPE accepts your application
UEPE confirms your application from the list of applicants.
Two short meetings
One online talk and one on-site visit at the facility, about 10 minutes each.
Documents and start
Once the facility has availability, a page unlocks for the availability letter and the documents.
Frequently asked questions
What is probation (messa alla prova)?
It is a measure that allows criminal proceedings to be suspended by carrying out, among other things, volunteer work and community service at affiliated entities.
What activities take place at NaturaLink?
Activities for the benefit of the environment and wildlife: support in animal care, cleaning and maintenance of facilities, logistic support, according to the agreed calendar.
How do I start the path?
The first step is contacting the UEPE for the Courts of Trieste and Gorizia. After the go-ahead, sign up on the portal and file your hosting request: you'll find every step on the Community service page.
Your help goes back to nature
Every donation contributes to the costs of care, feeding and management of the wild animals hosted by the CRAS Terranova.
Bank transfer
The simplest way to donate. Write to us to receive the account details (IBAN) of the association and the correct payment reference.
Request the detailsDonation receipt
On request we issue the donation receipt, useful for the tax benefits provided for Third Sector entities.
Request the receiptIn-kind donations
Food, materials and equipment useful for animal care are always welcome. Contact us to find out what we need.
Find out howReady to make a difference?
Write to us at associazione.naturalink@gmail.com or contact us to donate and receive all the information.
Tax benefits on charitable donations to Third Sector entities are subject to the conditions of the law. Keep the receipt and check with your advisor.
Become a NaturaLink volunteer
No special skills required: what you need is the will to care for nature. We figure out the rest together.
Close to the animals
Take part in the daily care of the wild animals hosted by the center.
In a community
Join a group of people who share a passion for nature.
Learn
Gain knowledge about wildlife and good conservation practices.
On your schedule
We agree on availability together: every contribution, however small, counts.
How to apply
- 1
Sign in to the site with your Google account.
- 2
Fill in your volunteer record from your personal area.
- 3
We get back to you for the introductory interview and the start of activities.
Let's get in touch
For donations, volunteering, community service or simple information: we are here to help.
Email
associazione.naturalink@gmail.com
Certified email
naturalink@pec.it
Office
Via Grado, 28 — 34075 Terranova (GO)
Associazione NaturaLink
Volunteer Organization (ODV) — Third Sector entity
Tax ID: 90041320319