While browsing YouTube late one evening, I stumbled upon a video that took me deep into a story of remarkable bravery and loyalty.
It was a tale from 1987 about Gabi, a long-haired German Shepherd whose courage turned her into a legend at the Belgrade Zoo.
Her story captivated me immediately – a true testament to the bond between animals and their caretakers, and the extraordinary acts that emerge in moments of peril.
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A Night Like No Other
On the night of June 22, 1987, darkness fell over the zoo as it always did.
But this was no ordinary night.
A young, energetic female jaguar managed to escape her enclosure, prowling toward the administrative buildings.
Danger was in the air.
As Gabi patrolled with Stanic, her ears perked, sensing the imminent threat.
Without hesitation, she surged forward into the darkness while her male companion, overwhelmed by fear, ran in the opposite direction.
Chaos erupted!
Gabi collided with the jaguar in a desperate struggle. The snarling and roaring pierced the quiet of the night.
Stanić, stunned and fearing for their lives, quickly called for help, but it was Gabi’s battle that bought precious time.
Claws and fangs met in a furious clash as Gabi kept the jaguar at bay, refusing to let it endanger anyone beyond the zoo’s gates.
Below is a photo from the Alpina section of the zoo, showing the former jaguar enclosure (1987). Marked by a red circle, this area once housed a sleeping hut along the wall, where the jaguar famously escaped. It broke through the hut’s roof, scaled the unscathed part of the wall, and leaped over two meters to clear the bars that once ran along it—bending one of the steel rods in the process. Today, this space remains empty, as the once small tree could now pose a risk to any animal in the enclosure. [2]
Word of Gabi’s bravery spread quickly. People marveled at her loyalty and unbreakable spirit. In recognition of her remarkable actions, a monument was erected in her honor at the zoo.
The words inscribed “Her heart was stronger than a jaguar” capture the essence of her courage.
Gabi continued to serve the zoo faithfully until her passing in 1992, always vigilant and ready to protect the place she called home.
Gabi’s story remains a powerful reminder of the courage that can emerge in moments of crisis.
Visitors to the Belgrade Zoo still pause to honor her monument, remembering the night a German Shepherd faced impossible odds to protect those she loved.
Her legacy lives on, a testament to loyalty, bravery, and the incredible bond between humans and animals.
I hope Gabi’s incredible story of courage has touched you as much as it did me.
It’s a reminder of the bond between animals and humans, and the selflessness they often show in the face of danger.
This page is dedicated to Gabby, the courageous female German Shepherd and the Hero of the Belgrade Zoo (more information)
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My name is Alen Stefanovic, and I am the founder of the AwesomeSarplaninac.com. As an economist-trade manager, and web designer, I have a passion for the Sarplaninac breed (number 1 dogs for me). My father has been breeding these dogs since 1990, and through the website, I aim to share valuable information about nutrition, care, and training for both puppies and adult dogs. Whether you're a new or experienced owner, you'll find plenty of helpful tips and resources on the site. I wish you a pleasant stay.
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