Camel Anton
and his Franziska
From the perspective of an Aiderbichler
(written by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
The veterinary office accused ananimal ownerof offences, committing offences against the Animal Welfare Act. The accommodation, care and maintenance of the animals did not meet the legal requirements,and so the centre was evicted. The operator of the animal sanctuary could not understand the procedure.
The one and the other view of things
On the one hand, there are situations in the field of animal welfare that make it difficult to remain objective. Michael Aufhauser has tried to teach us not to raise our “scolding fingers” and comment on events whose background we don’t know exactly. He always wanted to take the diplomatic route.
On the other hand, the work of Gut Aiderbichl, Europe’s largest animal sanctuary, is about giving animals a voice, improving their living conditions and offering them a forever home until the natural end of their lives. A home where nothing is lacking: clean stables, species-appropriate food, care, medical and therapeutic help, exercise, etc.
Anton the Bactrian camel
After all official and veterinary measures had been completed following the confiscation, three-year-old Anton was transported to Gut Aiderbichl in Iffeldorf.
The carers brought the Bactrian camel into the prepared stable. Anton behaved calmly and took in his new surroundings. The usual parade of visitors soon arrived: the donkeys, ponies and many other farmyard residents paid Anton a courtesy visit. From the very first moment, he fell in love with the camel lady Franziska.
He has been living on the Iffeldorf farm for over two months now and is nothing but fun. He has settled in really well and walks around his pasture fresh and lively.
Franziska, the dromedary and her Anton
It was probably love at first sight here. Both make no secret of their affection and, above all, the joy of having a conspecific around.
Franziska was handed in by a circus 12 years ago with 22 other animals, and she was pregnant at the time. Her happiness was complete when her son Hansi was born, but unfortunately he died. Franziska mourned her foal for a long time until she was able to feel the joy of life again.
Camels live in the wild in harem groups consisting of several stallions and mares. For Anton and Franziska, a little togetherness is enough – spending the day together and cuddling up to each other at night is paradise on earth for both of them.May Anton and Franziska experience many more years of beautiful reality. Sincerely, Your Gisela
The difficulty is not that there are no beautiful realities, but that so few of us recognise them when we encounter them.
~ George Bernard Shaw
