Ochse Michi in seinem neuen Für-Immer-Zuhause in Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf

Michi the ox on an adventure trip

Love for animals has triumphed

“And you know, we keep telling the stories of the animals and their suffering and joy in life. Again and again and again, until a rethink is set in motion in people’s minds. The voice of the animals must never be silenced, even if we repeat ourselves …. Always keep going!” – This is how I began my work as a tour guide at Gut Aiderbichl in Henndorf many years ago. My teacher was Michael Aufhauser, the founder of Gut Aiderbichl. Dieter Ehrengruber is solution-orientated and tries to help the animals with enthusiasm and a great team. And he is right: there is a solution for almost every situation.

This is how Michi, the one-and-a-half-year-old ox, came to Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf and he also has a very special life story.

Intensive care and attention from the farmer’s wife allowed Michi to survive

Michi was born in the barn of a mountain farmer. Everything was very complicated and then the calf swallowed amniotic fluid and narrowly escaped death. Michi is small in stature and will remain small. The farm vet and the farmer’s wife spared no effort to ensure that the little bull calf survived.
However, the farmer thought economically and set a deadline that decided whether Michi would live or be slaughtered. The farmer placed Michi in the care of an animal-loving lady whom she trusted and knew would find a way for Michi to live on.

Michi’s life became really exciting

From then on, he lived on another farm, where he was also neutered. After being lovingly cared for, Michi was quickly fit again and was even allowed to join the cattle on the mountain pasture in summer. He spent a good time there enjoying the lush grass and glorious weather until he went down into the valley in autumn.

Although he is small in stature, he was very courageous in the midst of the herd on the mountain pasture. He also instinctively sensed whether he was welcome in the herd or should keep a little distance. When the herd returned to the stables in autumn, the socialisation worked well. Now he belonged to “the big ones”, but he couldn’t stay there either.Gut Aiderbichl was contacted by his rescuer and she described a loving bull calf in touching words: “Michi is sensitive and people-orientated, he is compatible and sweet, likes to be stroked and is simply friendly.
Thus our Sammy, a Scottish Highland cattle, got another new member in his cattle kindergarten at Gut Aiderbichl in Henndorf.

Sammy is a wonderful "pedagogue" with long, black hair and huge horns

Sammy himself was a breeding bull for many years. He lived with Stella and Bambi in his stable for several years. When the two cows left him, he was lonely and his soul was saved. Little by little, small or blind cattle such as Darla found a home in his stable and now there is also Michi in his special herd. Sammy’s cattle stable (on the left in front of the main stable lane) has become a very special place. Sammy’s calmness and composure is transferred to his charges. When you stand in front of this stable, you can feel the harmony and great contentment among the animals.

Animals have the value that humans give them

Michi’s young life shows us a special path. The farmer’s wife wanted him to live and this wish was fulfilled. Michi himself gives the most valuable thanks to people: he feels good and seems to be a happy ox surrounded by his friends. Every living creature that nature gives us has a special value and a reason why it should live.