The Croatian man who saved a swan and became inseparable friends

Gojko and Mali (Photo: Dusko Jaramaz/PIXSELL)

A heartwarming story has emerged from Jadrija in Šibenik on the Croatian coast, where Gojko Mijalica rescued an injured swan and, in doing so, formed an unbreakable bond with the bird.

What started as a compassionate act of saving a life has blossomed into a unique friendship, with Gojko and the swan, affectionately named Mali, now inseparable.

At the end of May, Gojko came across a severely injured swan in front of his house.

The swan had suffered an open fracture of its humerus, an injury that had gone untreated for months and had become infected.

Veterinarian Anđelo Zorica from the Vodice Veterinary Clinic concluded that the best course of action would be to amputate the broken wing, as it was hindering the swan’s ability to walk and swim.

After the operation, the swan spent the night at the veterinary clinic before Gojko brought him home and continued to care for him.

Initially, Gojko tried contacting various authorities, including the Veterinary Faculty and Dumovec Animal Shelter in Zagreb.

All except Dumovec refused to help, though they were willing to take in the swan if Gojko transported him to Zagreb himself.

Concerned for the swan’s safety, Gojko decided to keep him.

“Although I did not know much about swans, and them about me, I decided to keep him because I was worried that if I sent him away with an injured wing he would be a target,” he told Pixsell.

Gojko and Mali in Jadrija (Photo: Dusko Jaramaz/PIXSELL)

Due to the wing amputation, the swan will never be able to return to the wild, but he has become Gojko’s constant companion, affectionately named Mali.

The two are often seen strolling around Jadrija and go for a swim at least once a day.

“After going for a swim he will walk home by himself, he has learned the way home. Sometimes I go with him but mostly he goes home by himself,” Gojko adds.

Although he still admits he does not know too much about swans, he Gojko says he is learning all the time.

“He listens to me, he knows I want to help him. Nothing can separate us now except a higher force. I have no intention of leaving him, or him me,” Gojko says.

Check out the video of Gojko and Mali below.