Camel Anton
and his Franziska
From the perspective of Gut Aiderbichl
(written by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
The veterinary office accused an animal owner of committing violations of the Animal Welfare Act. The housing, care and treatment of the animals did not meet the legal requirements and so the station was evicted. The operator of the animal sanctuary could not understand the action.
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 tried to teach us not to raise the "scolding finger" and comment on events whose background we do not 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 situation and offering them a forever home until the natural end of their lives. A home where nothing is lacking: a clean stable, food appropriate to the species, care, medical and therapeutic assistance, exercise, etc.
Anton the oaf
After all official and veterinary measures were completed following the seizure, three-year-old Anton was transported to Gut Aiderbichl in Iffeldorf.
The keepers brought the Bactrian camel into the prepared stable. Anton behaved quietly and calmly took in his new surroundings. The usual parade of visitors arrived soon: the donkeys, the ponies and many other farm residents paid Anton a courtesy visit. From the first moment he fell in love with the camel lady Franziska.
For over two months, he lives on the farm of Iffeldorf and makes only joy. He has settled in great and walks fresh and lively over his pasture.
Franziska, the dromedary, and her Anton
Here it was probably love at first sight. Both also make no secret of their affection and especially the joy of having a conspecific around.
Franziska was given away by a circus 12 years ago with 22 other animals and she was pregnant at that 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 joy of life again at some point.
Camels in the wild live in harem groups consisting of several stallions and mares. For Anton and Franziska, the small 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 be allowed to 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 recognize them when we encounter them.
~ George Bernard Shaw
