HOW "PATKOGRAD" WAS BORN: A PEACEFUL ANIMAL KINGDOM JUST OUTSIDE BANJA LUKA

While the city asphalt sizzles under the summer sun, peace reigns beneath the banana leaves and tree canopies at Nikola Jajčević’s estate. Just a fifteen-minute drive from the heart of Banja Luka lies "Patkograd" – a charming animal sanctuary where ducks waddle without hurry, rabbits rest in the grass, and dogs, cats, and goats live together in rare harmony.

PHOTO: Pixabay

Nikola left behind the urban rush several years ago, trading it for the calm of rural life. Nature, he says, has always been his peace and his cure. Now surrounded by animals, he lives on a farm teeming with life – from ducks, geese, and chickens to two particularly eye-catching African goats named Baltazar and Maribel. Despite their exotic names, these goats didn’t come from Africa but from a nearby village called Dragočaj – and they fit right in with the joyful crowd.

A team from Nezavisne novine visited "Patkograd" and confirmed firsthand that life in the countryside isn't just possible – it’s beautiful.

"People always tell me it’s strange that all the animals get along," Nikola shares as he guides visitors through his farm. "They love that, especially because everyone knows dogs and cats don’t usually mix – but here, my dog even naps next to a rabbit. Everything is calm."

Nothing on Nikola’s property is accidental. Every animal has its place, its story – and often, a curious name. One decorative rooster, for example, is named Karleuša – despite being male – all because of his flamboyant tuft of feathers.

"It all started with the ducks. That’s where the name 'Patkograd' came from," Nikola explains. "Then one by one, other animals joined. It was never planned. It just came from a pure wish to escape the city and find peace."

Today, his estate is home to around 240 animals: four goats, several rabbits, ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, cats, and dogs. Nikola feeds and cares for them all by himself, even helping to grow the population with the help of an incubator. This year alone, it has hatched 30 ducklings, 120 chicks, and 15 goslings.

"Feeding takes me maybe half an hour in the morning and another half in the evening. I grow some of the food myself, but I also buy a lot, especially grain. It’s not cheap – but I don’t really think about the cost," Nikola says.

He proudly calls himself a farmer – and says the work doesn’t feel hard at all.

"I drink my coffee with my grandparents in the morning, have breakfast, then I feed the animals, water the garden, and do whatever’s needed. It’s peaceful here. I have my rhythm. More and more people are leaving the cities – and for me, it was the best decision I ever made."

His strongest bond, however, is with two dogs – Džek and Džoni – who found their way to him on their own.

"They just showed up. We clicked immediately. It’s that kind of energy – like we recognized each other. Honestly, I’m attached to all of them. It’s hard for me to sell them, especially the ones I raised from birth."

Even animals like pygmy goats, which don’t offer much milk and aren’t raised for meat, have a place in his heart.

"Some people want to buy them just because they’re cute. One little kid with a heart-shaped patch on its coat – everyone wanted it. I even got a message from a woman in Africa. But it’s hard to let go. I love them," he says with a smile.

"Patkograd" even has its own Instagram profile, where people follow the daily adventures of this miniature animal kingdom.

"Dozens of people message me every day asking, 'When can we visit?' or 'Is the farm open?' I always have to explain that it’s private. Some even get upset when I say they can’t come. Everyone wants to visit – especially with their kids."

Though friends from the city often stop by and neighbors frequently ask him for advice, Nikola is taking his time thinking about the future.

"I’d love to open it up one day – maybe for schools or kids – but that’s a serious step. You need permits, organization, time. When the right moment comes, I’ll do it."

For now, he’s focused on giving his animals everything they need and living each day on his own terms – in his "Patkograd."

"I always knew I wanted ducks, and I wanted peace. I didn’t know it would turn out exactly like this, but you know how they say – sometimes life shows you the way. And it showed me."

As Nikola finishes his thought, Džoni the dog races ahead of him, while Baltazar the goat bleats softly from the shade – a picture of harmony in this peaceful corner of the world.