People and horses at Gut Aiderbichl in Salzburg, Austria (Spitzi-Foto - stock.adobe.com)
Anton’s Story
Anton, the Bactrian camel, was seized from a situation where he was not provided the legal basics of care. He was moved to a cushy new home on a farm in Iffeldorf, near Munich, Germany where he met another camel, a Dromedary named Franziska. She had been surrendered by a circus 12 years previously and was lovingly helped through the loss of her small foal, Hensi. The two became joyful companions until she passed away in 2023. Recently, Anton found a new friend in Kasper, a fellow Bactrian camel, who was rescued from a cycle of constant re-selling.
These camels now live at Europe’s largest animal sanctuary: Gut Aiderbichl.
If you are an animal lover, but not a fan of zoos, try visiting one of the Gut Aiderbichl animal visitor centers. Your entrance fee will help rescue and rehabilitate animals from across Europe and provide them with access to a lifelong home.
“All animals are welcome at Gut Aiderbichl and may stay with us until the natural end of their lives”
— Aiderbichl
Gut Aiderbichl in Salzburg, Österreich, Europa - Gut Aiderbichl in Salzburg, Austria, Europe (Wolfgang Spitzbart)
Star’s Story
As a baby in 1973, Star was removed from the wild in Africa and taken to Austria to live in an animal testing lab. She was kept there in a small space out of contact with other chimps until the practice was banned in 1997. Now, she lives at the Gut Aiderbichl Monkey Sanctuary where she has been able to go outside for the first time in decades and has learned how to socialize. She is friends with fellow chimps, Spaetzle and Benjamin.
The Monkey Sanctuary was added to the Aiderbichl Sanctuary collection in 2009. Chimpanzees from Austrian labs were taken to a safari park where the pharmaceutical company financed a large facility for them. When the safari park filed for bankruptcy, Gut Aiderbichl took over. With the help of leading veterinarians and primatologists, Aiderbichl built a large outdoor enclosure. Jane Goodall attended the grand opening of this space in 2011 when the chimps tentatively experienced the sun and wind for the first time.
The Monkey Sanctuary is only available to visit by those who financially support the chimpanzee effort. It is open to these guests by appointment on Saturdays in the warm seasons.
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Baricello’s Story
Baricello was one of the first horses to be rescued by Gut Aiderbichl. As a four-month-old foal, he was intended to be sent from Poland to a slaughterhouse in Italy, but the organization purchased him instead. He seemed grief-stricken and unhealthy. Later, they were able to track down his mother Chatleen working as a carriage horse in a city. The two were happily reunited at Gut Aiderbichl, and Baricello has grown into a healthy, mature 23-year-old horse.
Gut Aiderbichl had recently been opened in 2001 when Baricello came to stay. It was founded by German actor and animal rights activist, Michael Aufhauser. He began with a farm built in Henndorf, Austria, where animals could be removed from situations that did not provide them with humane husbandry practices. Aufhauser also established the first off-leash dog parks in Austria.
In 2006, a large farm in Deggendorf, near Passau was added. Soon other large estates, farms and homes were being donated or left to the organization, including the large farm in Iffeldorf where the camels now live. Since then, Gut Aiderbichl has grown to include sanctuary lands in Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, Romania and Hungary. The website, www.gut-aiderbichl.com, features a story or video for nearly every animal at the sanctuary, including touching obituaries.
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Neema’s Story
As a puppy in Romania Neema was likely hit by a car, which paralyzed her rear legs. At Gut Aiderbichl she was fitted with a wheelchair and now loves to go on long walks and runs in the field. She is one of the many happy, special needs dogs the organization has rehabilitated. While all the animals are welcome to stay at Gut Aiderbichl for the rest of their lives, they recognize that some dogs and cats are better suited for adoption into family homes.
Since 2022, the organization has been actively involved in saving domestic pets from the Ukraine and reuniting them with owners when possible. In addition, they have become a safe haven for former racing dogs and hoarded cats.
Tierhof Gut Aiderbichl in Salzburg, Österreich, Europa - Gut Aiderbichl in Salzburg, Austria, Europe ()
Your Story
While the Gut Aiderbichl organization manages 30 estates across six countries in Europe, there are only three you can visit. If you have a pup of your own, you can bring them along. Each center has an off-leash dog run and they are welcome around the rest of the farm on a leash.
· Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf | 20km east of Salzburg
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This is the original Gut Aiderbichl Farm and houses 1,000 animals. Vegetarian fare is offered at the café and hourly guided tours can show you the whole estate. There is also a special dog path and dog pool if you bring your pup on your visit. A small passenger train takes visitors on a 30-minute ride to see the seven surrounding properties. Visit the Christmas market and Europe’s largest live-animal nativity from Nov. 15, 2024 to Jan. 6, 2025.
· Gut Aiderbichl Iffeldorf | on the Ostersee, south of Munich
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Iffeldorf Farm is home to 300 animals, primarily dogs, cats, horses, donkeys and cows. They offer a few guided tours daily (in German) and there is a café that serves vegetarian meals and snacks. Check out the weekend advent market on from Nov. 30, 2024 to Jan. 6, 2025.
· Gut Aiderbichl Deggendorf | 90km east of Regensburg
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Deggendorf Estate is home to roughly 300 animals, mostly farmyard animals, dogs and cats. There is a café and visitor center, plus a new circular path to get close to the animals. Cat lovers will also enjoy the large cat sanctuary complex with a special barn, field and “katzenvilla.” From Nov. 30, 2024 to Jan 6, 2025, there is an advent market on weekends and holidays.
