About us

D.E.: “Looking instead of looking away, acting and educating, protecting and preserving – these are the fundamental principles of Gut Aiderbichl.

Our founder, Michael Aufhauser, was convinced that it was our duty as human beings to stand up for the weak. To give them a place in society. In 2001, he came up with the idea of creating a place where animals that had been through terrible experiences could be cared for in a species-appropriate and loving way. He has dedicated his entire life to the dream of Gut Aiderbichl – a dream that came true over 20 years ago.”

D.E.: “In short: protecting animals, providing a home, creating encounters. We rescue animals from emergency situations and give them a loving and species-appropriate home at our sanctuaries. In this way, we can guarantee that they will never have to suffer fear again.

However, Gut Aiderbichl sees itself as much more than a contact point for animals in need. We also see it as our task to bring people closer to the idea of animal welfare. That is why we have declared three of our farms (Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf, Iffeldorf and Deggendorf) to be so-called meeting farms. Here we want to give our vision a space. A space where people and animals can meet in a relaxed and trusting atmosphere. In this way, we ensure that the stories of our animals become even more tangible and that animal suffering is given a face.”

D.E.: “Michael Aufhauser’s vision, which began over 20 years ago with the laying of the foundation stone for Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf near Salzburg, has developed into a Europe-wide animal welfare organisation. Because the suffering of animals is not a national grievance, but extends across the whole of Europe. Gut Aiderbichl has grown steadily and become a driving force for animal welfare: Gut Aiderbichl now has around 30 farms in six European countries (Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Romania, Hungary and France). On these farms, people achieve great things and look after the welfare of more than 6,000 rescued animals 365 days a year.

We receive calls for help every day. But our capacities are also limited. It is always a difficult step for us when we have to cancel a project due to lack of space. One of our priorities for the coming years is therefore clearly to expand our farms. At the same time, we want to achieve a long-term change in awareness in our society – with regard to animals as living beings – through targeted public relations work.”

D.E.: “Targeted education and the associated active press and public relations work is a declared aim of Gut Aiderbichl’s foundation charter. After all, the thousands and thousands of nameless animals that have to live out their lives in fattening farms or under other appalling conditions have a soul. They feel fear, sadness and pain. But they have no voice to tell their stories. This is our mission at Gut Aiderbichl: we want to give the voiceless a voice. Because in addition to rescuing animals and giving them a home, this is exactly what we mean by “active” animal welfare: continuously working to change public opinion and create a new awareness of animals as living beings and how we treat nature. That’s why we bring animal suffering into the public eye.”

D.E.: “We are always happy to welcome anyone who would like to support us on a voluntary or honorary basis. If you are interested, you are welcome to get in touch with our estate managers at any time. However, the best way to help our animals is with a regular donation or sponsorship. Because Gut Aiderbichl is dependent on donations or bequests. This is the only way we can ensure that all our animals continue to receive loving care and that we can continue to grow for the benefit of the animals.”