Obituary ox Ivan
The giant Ivan was always different from everyone else
Every animal has its own special character. Everything about Ivan was big: his head and his whole body. He was perfectly built, our Ivan.
As a young, seven-month-old bull, he seized the opportunity and escaped from the transporter during unloading. He probably instinctively felt that he would not like where he was going. Ivan lived for many months in a vast wooded area in Burgenland, which dates back to aristocratic times.
Ivan's story is like an exciting thriller. There was respect and admiration for the clever Iwan from all sides, and even the butcher tipped his hat to Iwan. Politicians, the official vet, the hunter and the owner all agreed that Gut Aiderbichl should try its luck with catching Iwan before he was shot.
Gut Aiderbichl specializes in catching escaped cattle. He was particularly clever and persistent. People tried to catch Iwan for months. It took an Aiderbichl employee to win the game of patience. He had the idea of buying a cow and her calf from a farmer. The two were brought close to the tracks that Iwan left behind on his wanderings. The cow mooed and it wasn't long before Iwan approached curiously. The Aiderbichler employee was waiting for him in the high stand and the two decoy birds near the catching device. Iwan appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the night. The employee froze in horror as a huge Iwan suddenly stared at him.
Iwan had followed the cow's charming mooing. For weeks, he had also made it difficult for the Aiderbichler staff to catch him. His falling in love was a moment of weakness, but it also saved Iwan's life. He was given a light anaesthetic and woke up safe and sound some time later in the large cattle shed at Gut Aiderbichl in Kilb.
Iwan was happy and content with his life in Kilb. Together with Burgi and her calf Iwana (sadly deceased), the former decoys, he spent a happy time in his new forever home.
Iwan loved to wander proudly and with his head held high across the huge meadows in Kilb. What could be better than being free?
At some point, Ivan could no longer stand up and was obviously in a lot of pain. No medication would help. Ivan became weaker and weaker. One look into his eyes told us that he wanted to go to the land where there was no pain, where he could meet all his friends. In the presence of all his trusted people, our big boy fell asleep. Ivan stood calmly and quietly in front of a new gate.
Death is nothing, I just went into the room next door. I am me, you are you. I am still what I was for you. Give me the name you have always given me, speak to me as you have always done. Don't change your tone of voice, don't use a put-on or forced attitude.
- Antoine de Saint Exupéry
Dear Ivan,
The story of your escape will always be a special one. We learned a lot from you, our great and clever one: don't be a coward, take your chances, go your own way and win in the end so that you can be grateful and satisfied afterwards.
All the people who knew you are grateful to have been your companions for many years.
You will remain in our hearts, dear Ivan. Take care in your new "room".
