A sanctuary idea that grew into several projects
Michael Aufhauser’s idea for Gut Aiderbichl began in 2001: a place where rescued animals could receive care suited to their needs. The organisation developed a network of sanctuaries and an educational role for visitors. Its work includes projects requiring more than an immediate rescue, where familiar relationships, behaviour and ageing shape a long-term commitment to each animal.
Keeping the Clever Pig Lab herd together
In autumn 2022, Gut Aiderbichl welcomed the Clever Pig Lab after the previous research arrangement could not continue. The Kune Kune pigs had grown up together, making it important to preserve their group. Their new setting provides pasture, resting spaces and an activity area, with veterinarian and researcher Marianne Wondrak involved in planning the facilities.
Participation in research remains the pig’s choice
The project studies learning and social abilities, including tasks involving images on a touchscreen. Cooperation is voluntary and rewarded with small food treats. Pigs are called by name rather than driven into a test area; an animal unwilling to participate can be invited another time, and signs of stress end the session. Care and observation therefore remain closely connected.
Helping former laboratory chimpanzees rebuild social lives
Gut Aiderbichl took responsibility for former laboratory chimpanzees at Gänserndorf in 2009. Their care includes gradual social rehabilitation after prolonged isolation. An outdoor enclosure opened in 2011, adding sunlight, weather and more space to their environment. Individual needs remain important, including for animals less comfortable in groups and for older residents requiring changes to their accommodation.
Visitor sanctuaries and specialised care sites differ
Henndorf, Iffeldorf and Deggendorf are the organisation’s designated visitor sanctuaries. Specialised projects have their own access arrangements, so a general visit does not imply entry to every care site. Donations and symbolic sponsorship support continuing food, accommodation and treatment. Consult the relevant location or project before planning a visit, and choose support according to the work that interests you. Official programme information · AnimalProtech map.
Frequently asked questions
- Does AnimalProtech verify Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf?
- AnimalProtech organizes public information and helps review community corrections, but each donation, adoption, or contact should be verified directly through the animal rescuer's or organization's official channels.
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- Use the public channels saved on this page and confirm that the opened profile matches Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf, the location Henndorf am Wallersee - Salzburg - Austria, and the displayed identifiers.
- Is it safe to donate or adopt using only this page?
- No. Use this page as a starting point, then confirm identity, need, accountability, and public history before donating, sending documents, or adopting.
- How can I correct incomplete or outdated information?
- Use the contribution form at the end of the page and send verifiable public links. Do not send personal documents, private addresses, or sensitive third-party data.