Bulls Choco and Curley
From the mast to freedom
Bulls Choco and Curley
Running a farm to cover costs while doing justice to the animals is often a major challenge. Many farmers have to give up or reorient themselves professionally. But what happens to the animals that are left behind? More and more farmers have a heart for animals and contact Gut Aiderbichl in such emergency situations.
Bull fattening is the most common form of cattle fattening
This was Choco and Curley’s good fortune. But first things first: The two young bulls came from a fattening farm that housed up to 80 animals at peak times. But when the farm was closed down, they were the last to be left behind. In Austria, bull fattening is the most common form of cattle fattening. The animals are usually slaughtered at the age of one to two years. Their meat is one of the most frequently sold beef categories in food retail.
Choco and Curley must not be slaughtered.
Eva-Maria Kölbl from Sinabelkirchen has known the business from an early age – her family ran the fattening farm for years. But she herself was never able to come to terms with the idea of sending the animals to slaughter. The emotional bond with her animals was too strong. Now her family is facing the final closure of the farm. This was necessary for economic reasons. The sale of Choco and Curley to a butcher was supposed to bring in urgently needed money. But Eva-Maria cannot and will not allow this – not with her treasures Choco and Curley.
A solution must be found
The two bulls are still young, they still have their lives ahead of them. They have never seen a pasture, never felt the sun on their skin. She understands that her family is dependent on the money, but she firmly believes that there must be another solution. For Eva-Maria, one thing is clear: the two should find a new home at a sanctuary. But this is more difficult than she thought. Many sanctuaries are struggling to survive – rising costs for energy, food and visits to the vet are putting them under pressure.
Appeal to the public
She quickly launches an appeal for donations and publicly searches for accommodation for her two gorgeous boys.
AIn this way, Eva-Maria comes across Gut Aiderbichl, makes an enquiry and receives a saving answer: Gut Aiderbichl hears Eva-Maria’s call for help and pledges to help her two bulls.
“We have to support such an incredible and courageous commitment to animals”, says Gut Aiderbichl Managing Director Dieter Ehrengruber.
“It is impressive to see that our philosophy is also being put into practice in farming families. This is an important step in the right direction – and we are proud to be able to support Eva-Maria and her family.”
And so begins a new chapter for Choco and Curley: a life that was previously denied to them – with sun, fresh air and green meadows.
This is what they now find around the cattle paradise at Gut Aiderbichl in Kilb. Thanks to Eva-Maria’s tireless efforts, they now have a wonderful future.
