(written by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
A good future lies ahead of them
An animal-loving lady got in touch with Gut Aiderbichl's animal emergency aid. Two Alpine stone sheep, Schlappi and Keksi, live in her garden. Both had been abandoned by their mother sheep and thus had to be raised by bottle. Unfortunately, the space in the garden is limited and also not species-appropriate, so Michael Meckl, administrator of Gut Aiderbichl Eslarn, brings them to his farm in a cosy animal transporter.
The Alpine Stone Sheep
The Alpine Stone sheep is one of the oldest sheep breeds and, historically, the original breed of sheep in the Eastern Alps. It is related to the Torf sheep, the Montafon, the Tyrolean and the Krainer Steinschaft.
Stone sheep are excellent climbers in the high mountains. The physique is delicate, the claws of the mountain specialist are very hard. Unfortunately, the Alpine Stone Sheep are threatened with extinction.
Schlappi's birth had obviously not been easy
Schlappi and Keksi come from a farm. Immediately after birth, Schlappi had not been able to walk. The mother sheep had probably laid down on her young one, causing a fracture in one leg. Schlappi would not have had a good life in the flock and so she was separated from her mum.
Not only the leg was injured, but there were also problems with the right eye. It is suspected that perhaps a straw injured the eye and this right eye is now unfortunately blind and heavily bloodshot.
Schlappi's friend, Keksi, also took in the animal-loving lady. Keksi is in perfect health. She is a twin, the mother sheep had too little milk and put Keksi down.
Schlappi and Keksi were fed every four hours. So far, everything was going well with the feeding. A physiotherapist herself, the lady knew how to get Schlappi on his feet. This project was also a wonderful success.
Schlappi and Keksi played in the snow, followed the lady every step of the way - but, the garden was too small and could not be a lifelong home. The sheep were to grow up in a species-appropriate way and eventually find a home in a large flock of sheep. Slaughter was absolutely not an option.
On to Eslarn
In Eslarn, Schlappi and her friend Keksi live in a beautiful stable with a thick straw bed. The injured, blind eye is treated twice a day and at least the tumour has receded. Now it is time for the two little sheep to get used to the new surroundings until they can be introduced to the large flock of sheep at Gut Aiderbichl Eslarn. One thing is clear: Schlappi and Keksi are "best friends" who should never be separated.
Friends are gardens where you can rest.
- Antoine de Saint Exupéry
Keksi is there for her Schlappi whenever she needs or is looking for her.
We wish them both a happy, healthy life in the large flock of sheep at Gut Aiderbichl Eslarn.
Sincerely,
Your Gisela
