“Mărțișoare pentru Animale” 2026 – community, education, and respect for life

The 5th edition of Mărțișoare pentru Animale was, for me, one of the most rewarding public events of recent times. Dedicated to the community, the event brought together the extraordinary energy of student volunteers from Babeș-Bolyai University and the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, alongside participants hosting stands and workshops focused on animal protection, education for animal welfare, and biodiversity conservation.

This year's edition welcomed more than 900 visitors to the Zoological Museum of Babeș-Bolyai University and the UBB Vivarium in Cluj-Napoca, once again showing that there is real public interest in events that connect people with science, nature, and responsibility toward animals. Beyond the numbers, what mattered most was the atmosphere: open, warm, curious, and full of life.

I was glad to contribute to the programme through a public lecture, alongside my colleagues Dr. Cristian Sitar from the Zoological Museum of UBB and Dr. Osvath Gergely, who led a bird-ringing workshop. These activities added an important dimension to the event, giving visitors the opportunity not only to explore, but also to better understand the animal world, biodiversity, and the role of science in protecting them.

To me, Mărțișoare pentru Animale represents exactly what a successful community event should be: a space where people from different backgrounds come together around shared values—respect for animals, care for the environment, and the wish to build something meaningful together. The strong involvement of students was perhaps one of the best parts of this edition. Their enthusiasm shows that there is a generation that understands that education, empathy, and scientific rigor can go very well together.

I am grateful to everyone who helped make this edition possible and to everyone who attended, participated, and contributed to this community built on respect for people, animals, and the environment.