Everyone loves the freedom of the open air, and Bandit the bull is no exception. Chained for most of his life, one day Bandit found himself released from his narrow space in an old brick building, and loaded onto a truck to begin a better life.
When he arrived at a large, open barn with no chains or bars, Bandit ran happily around his new home, well stocked with fresh hay and promise. He then nuzzled his new-found friend Christian, who had brought him from his dingy prison. Christian patted Bandit’s huge head, and the two were buds for life.
Christian is a part of Gut Aiderbichl, an animal sanctuary near Salzburg, Austria that shelters more than 500 bulls, cows and calves. They all come from abusive or neglectful situations, and some were headed for the slaughterhouse. Gut Aiderbichl is the creation of Michael Aufhauser, who believes every living thing needs protection and a chance for a good life. He also believes in fostering an understanding between animals and humans. The sanctuary has been in operation since 2001.
At Gut Aiderbichl, everyone follows Aufhauser’s philosophy, and the animals get plenty of attention and affection. As well as bulls, cows and calves, there are sheep, donkeys, chickens, geese, goats, and now and then a fox.
But no one at Gut Aiderbichl is any happier than Bandit the bull.