Obituary Westhighlandrind Beatnik
He was particularly
Beatnik has a 4000 year old history. The West Highland cattle breed originates from the north-west of Scotland and has been bred in Scotland for over 200 years because of its special characteristics. The herd book has existed since 1884. High rainfall and storms with stony and unproductive pastures in summer and very long, wet and hard winters without special supplementary feeding and stabling were the extreme living conditions in the Scottish Highlands and on the offshore islands that the Scottish smallholders had to breed these particularly robust animals as multi-purpose cattle. The special characteristics of Scottish Highland cattle are: Robustness, longevity, good-naturedness, but also a strong defender with good mother cow characteristics.
Three West Highland cattle were looking for a new forever home
Over 10 years ago, a small family of West Highland cattle were looking for a new home. Cilla, Bono and their son Beatnik had to leave their brother’s farm because they were simply no longer wanted there. The owner contacted Gut Aiderbichl and it was decided to give the little family a forever home at Gut Aiderbichl Iffeldorf. The health check revealed that Cilla was pregnant.
Beatnik got a brother: Little Garfield
Little Garfield was born in spring 2014 and was the visitors’ favourite for 12 years. His older brother Beatnik took this in his stride. What the brothers had in common was their imposing long horns, which also looked dangerous. On the contrary, however, the two brothers were gentle and lovable and no human was ever hurt or threatened by their horns.
Little Garfield unfortunately died far too young from a lung disease.
Beatnik reminded us of the gentle Garfield from the circus
A very well-known predecessor of Beatnik was Garfield at Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf. Garfield had danced to waltz music in a circus ring for thirteen years until his career came to an abrupt end. Because there were no longer enough visitors to the circus, the income decreased and Garfield should have died. However, due to his huge horns, he did not fit into any EU slaughter line and would have been slaughtered. He became an Aiderbichler just in time and at the same time a symbolic memorial for everything that humans allow themselves to do with animals.
For many years, he accompanied the group of visitors on guided tours of the farm and stood out for his gentleness and composure. As gentle as he had been, he fell asleep at the age of 20.
Health problems demanded a decision
Walking was causing Beatnik more and more problems. Therapies and painkillers were unable to provide any relief for our Beatnik. Once again, it was clear that a decision had to be made: Beatnik had to be released from the pain in his hip. Unfortunately, at the age of twelve, his time was up too soon.
His keepers spoilt and stroked Beatnik until the last, soft, drawn-out breath that opened the door to Rainbow Land for him. It was Beatnik’s release, leaving behind sad animal carers who wished they could have accompanied Beatnik through life even longer.
I'll look like I'm dead, but it won't be true.
– Antoine de Saint Exupéry
Dear Beatnik,
you will live on in our hearts because you were simply so special. You were a wonderful representative of your noble breed, grazing proudly in the pastures with your long, curved horns held high.
Your keepers learnt from you, no matter how hard it is to keep your head up and walk proudly through life.
Now you are with your parents Cilla and Bono and your brother Little Garfield. Take care in the eternal pastures of animal heaven, dear Beatnik.
From: Gisela Pschenitschnig, Gut Aiderbichl
