Move-in from BUBI
A very warm welcome
A few days ago we received an urgent call for help from a farming family: a newborn Galloway calf was weak, had been rejected by its mother and needed a safe place to live.
This is how Bubi unexpectedly found his way to our sanctuary at the end of April 2025.
At just three months old and weighing only 65 kg, he is still very small and fragile. It is suspected that his mother contracted bluetongue during pregnancy, which could explain why Bubi is struggling with some developmental and health problems.
It is currently unclear whether he can see more than just light and dark, drinking requires patience and help and he needs support in many areas of daily life.
Bubi seems to live in his own little world, in which he feels peaceful, curious and somehow content.
We are honored to welcome him into our sanctuary-family and we look forward to discovering his world with him and making it as safe, happy and enjoyable as possible. No matter what the future may bring.
See also the story on Instagram and Facebook.
Together we will make the best of it
The sanctuary is located in the middle of the infected area of African swine fever with high and increasing numbers of cases. The official requirements are strict - but above all, the protection of our pigs Anton, Gertrud, Freddy and Fridolin is our top priority. They are in strict quarantine to avoid any risk.
These measures affect the entire process and the infrastructure on the farm, so unfortunately no visiting days can take place for the time being.
We very much hope - for people and animals - that the situation will ease soon. Until then, let's make the best of it together.
See also the story on Instagram and Facebook.
Move-in from WILLI
A very warm welcome
In March 2025, Willi moved into the sanctuary on his first birthday.
Happy Birthday and Happy Rescue Day Willi!
Even if you can't believe it, Willi, you got a great birthday present: a forever home in our herd of cows.
See also the story on Instagram and Facebook.
Farewell to THILDA
Over the rainbow bridge
It is difficult to find the right words. Our beloved Thilda unexpectedly went on her last journey in March 2025.
Thilda was rescued from a laying farm together with Tara (†) and Thea in June 2023. Even though she always looked lively, she had some health problems from the start. Her plumage, for example, always looked very “plucked”, although all her values were good. It was only when she was given a hormone chip to stop egg production that she underwent an enormous transformation and almost looked like a “new” hen.
Thilda also had problems with one eye for a long time. Many visits to the vet and repeated treatments were unsuccessful, so together with the specialists we decided on an operation. Even before the operation had begun, her little heart stopped beating forever under anesthesia.
Thilda, we didn't expect this. Nothing could get you down and yet you had your own plan.
We miss you so much, you loving, crazy hen.
See also the story on Instagram and Facebook.
Early morning service at the sanctuary
In February 2025, a daily morning service was accompanied by the camera. See how the animal hustle and bustle at our sanctuary begins at around 7:00 in the morning.
Looking after and caring for the 55 animals currently living on the sanctuary also means a lot of work, divided into early, day and late shifts, which we manage with the help of many people, most of whom work on a voluntary basis.
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU to the many helping hands who work tirelessly and reliably every day in all weathers to look after and care for our animal friends.
Farewell to SCOOBY
Over the rainbow bridge
Scooby said goodbye quite unexpectedly at the end of January 2025. She was one of the founding animals of our farm and with her proud 7 years one of the senior hens.
Scooby was a reserved hen who was always friendly to all other creatures. She didn't want to be touched, but was always part of the action. Always happy and cheerful, all those years - until the end.
Only on the last day did she stay on the pole. Even though she looked perfect on the outside as always, we immediately sensed that something was wrong. We immediately took her to the vet. She fell asleep there before the diagnostics had been completed.
Thanks to her wise nature, she was one of the higher-ranking hens in the hen group, without her rank ever being disputed. Until last year, Scooby spent most of her time with her best friend Henrietta. When she died at the beginning of 2024, Scooby joined Schnik and Schnack. Together with the two of them, she formed the granny group for the last year and enjoyed life to the full. Scooby especially loved sunbathing.
Thank you Scooby for being an important part of the sanctuary family. You were there right from the start and it's hard to imagine a sanctuary without you.
We will miss you very much and leave a big gap. We miss you. Please say hello to Henrietta from us. Take care dear Grandma Scooby.
See also the story on Instagram and Facebook.
HELENA, HERMINE and HORTENSIA move in
A very warm welcome
Helena, Hermine and Hortensia moved to the sanctuary in January 2025 at the age of approx. 3 months.
A rescue like this is a moving experience in every respect. We had agreed to save two young turkeys from slaughter - but it turned out to be three.
We are very much looking forward to the years together with you.
See also the story on Instagram and Facebook.
Farewell to TARA
Over the rainbow bridge
In mid-January 2025, we had to say goodbye to Tara with a heavy heart. She had leukosis (tumor disease), which was unfortunately no longer treatable, so we had to let her go. An issue that unfortunately affects many high-performance chickens.
Tara came to our sanctuary in June 2023 together with Thea and Thilda from a farmer in the region. We rescued the three of them from the so-called “Ausstallung” (slaughter). On this farm, they lived together with almost 960 other hens in the “finishing group”.
The name Tara has many meanings and is, among other things, the name of the Buddhist patron goddess of compassion. Tara also means “chain of peaks” and “star”. As Tara was fearless in exploring her new home from the very beginning on the farm, appeared very noble and at the same time had a strikingly jagged crest, we decided on this name.
Since day one, she has enjoyed her life with sunbathing, foraging and her friends Thea and Schuppe and has made our hearts happy.
Take care dear Tara!
See also the story on Instagram and Facebook.
Year 2024
Farewell to WENDELSTEIN
Over the rainbow bridge
At the end of December 2024, we had to say goodbye to two animal friends, Wendelstein and Cid, in one day.
Wendelstein came to us in April 2022 and has been taking great care of his cherubs Elfriede, Helga and Tabea ever since.
Wendelstein was such an extraordinary soul and touched thousands of hearts worldwide. He truly gave a voice to his kind. We are sure that he will continue to do so.
Wendelstein was very ill. We fought for his health for weeks and he was hospitalized twice for intensive care. Although it was clear that he would not recover, it was still unexpected: he decided to leave this world in Joar's arms.
Thank you Wendelstein for all the joy you brought into our lives every single day. You were beautiful - inside and out. We love and miss you so much.
See also the story on Instagram and Facebook.
Farewell to CID
Over the rainbow bridge
At the end of December 2024, we had to say goodbye to two animal friends, Cid and Wendelstein, in one day.
Cid and his friend Belle came from a bad home and ended up at the shelter. They were rehomed, came back, were rehomed again and then returned to the shelter.
In October 2023, the two then found their “forever home” with us.
Now we had to let Cid go after a long and serious illness. Even though our time together was not that long, he enriched the Lebenshoff family very much. Especially in the last few weeks, which involved intensive care, he grew even closer to our hearts.
Take care you adorable stubborn little guy - it was an honor. We'll take good care of your little friend Belle.
See also the story on Instagram and Facebook.
Birth of FRITZ
A very warm welcome
In August 2024, there was a special atmosphere of expectation at the sanctuary. Hanni gave birth to another son, Fritz. The birth only took about 30 minutes. Mother and son were well after the birth.
Hanni came to our farm a few months ago together with her son Mogli Junior. It wasn't until some time later that we found out she was pregnant again.
Waiting for the birth was very exciting for us, as we had never experienced such an event at the sanctuary before.
We are incredibly grateful that we can watch Fritz grow up with mom Hanni and brother Mogli Junior and that this little family can live safely and well cared for with us.
See also the story on Instagram and Facebook.
KARL and SAM move in
A very warm welcome
The two little giants Sam (white) and Karl (brown) first had to be cared for intensively due to health problems.
After they grew up and became strong, they were able to move into the Lebenshof in July 2024 and were integrated into our rabbit group.
Now mom Hilde is reunited with her two boys Karl and Sam and enjoying rabbit life on our farm.
Farewell to LEA
Over the rainbow bridge
After a long illness, we had to say goodbye to Lea in July 2024.
Lea has enriched our sanctuary-family since October 2023. She was a bright but rather reserved hen towards us humans. The last few weeks were characterized by worry and hope. Thanks to the intensive care we were able to build up a deep bond with Lea, which makes it all the more difficult to say goodbye now.
Move-in from CHIPSY
A very warm welcome
Chipsy moved to the sanctuary in June 2024 when she was about 8 weeks old.
She came from a school project. The pupils hatched chicken eggs and only one chick hatched: Chipsy.
Since then she has lived with a pupil in her nursery and has never known any other chickens. She is therefore very attached to us humans.
We will gradually integrate her into the flock. It will probably be a while before she can/will stay there on her own. Until then, she will have visual contact and supervised introductions.
Visiting day
The second visiting day of the year took place on May 19, 2024 ..
Many visitors accepted our invitation and sometimes traveled long distances to visit us in the Odenwald. The rather changeable weather did nothing to dampen the good mood.
During the rain showers, people took the opportunity to socialize over coffee and cake.
Our cows didn't care at all about the rain. On visiting day, they are brushed and cuddled as continuously as possible.
Thank you for your support and thank you for being here!
Helmut moves in
A very warm welcome
Helmut moved into the sanctuary in May 2024. This is not a classic rescue story.
After Herbert moved in with us, he and Willi became one heart and one soul and Hans was literally on his own. That was not a nice experience for us. He seemed lonely and withdrawn, while the others swam happily in the pond, which Hans avoided anyway. So we kept an eye out for a buddy of his kind.
We couldn't find a mallard drake that was obviously in distress, so we asked at the small animal breeding facility where Hans had escaped. And that's how Helmut came to us - no stranger to Hans.
Hans didn't seem enthusiastic at first, so we seriously doubted whether it was the right decision. After a few days, however, the two of them got their act together and are now taking it easy together.
Visiting day
The first visiting day of the year took place on May 05, 2024 ..
Patrons who have been loyal to us for years were able to see the latest developments at the sanctuary. The changes include structural measures such as the new pond and the renovation of the chicken and duck enclosure as well as new animals.
We were also pleased to welcome some new faces who were visiting for the first time.
Our animals - especially the cows - enjoyed all the petting to the full.
It is always interesting for us to see how quickly the animals find a place in the hearts of the visitors and how many people leave the farm happy.
Thank you for your support and thank you for being here!
HERBERT moves in
A very warm welcome
In April 2024, we received an inquiry from Erfurt asking if we could take in an injured duck. Herbert was brought to us just a few days later and was allowed to move into the male duck flat.
Herbert is missing part of his beak. We don't know how this happened. However, he would not have survived in the wild because he cannot eat from the ground with his beak. At our sanctuary, his food is served to him in such a way that he can eat well despite his injury.
We dammed up the stream and built a pond for the ducks. So Herbert and his friends Willi and Hans, who also moved in with us just a month ago, can splash around happily and feel at home.
Many thanks to the attentive rescuers @julexwx and @cdavids115. Without you, Herbert would have had no chance of survival.
WORK ASSIGNMENT
We are preparing for the coming season!
Therefore, the first work assignment of the year took place on March 23, 2024. 31 hard-working helpers and thus 62 helping hands were at the start.
In the end, we were all tired, dirty but happy and, above all, thrilled at what we could achieve together in just one day.
THANK YOU for your tremendous support.
THANK YOU also to the donors who have contributed to the financing of our projects.
MISCHL and SEPPL move in
A very warm welcome
These two boys moved into our farm in March 2024 with only 9 days.
They were born quadruplets. Unfortunately, the mother didn't have enough milk for everyone, so the two of them looked for a new home where they would be bottle-fed.
Of course, we cannot replace the mother, but we will do everything we can to ensure that they have a safe and beautiful place to live. We are looking forward to many wonderful years with you, Mischl and Seppl.
We are so in love with our baby goats. Mischl and Seppl receive a lot of attention, love, affection, warmth and security.
They are a great enrichment for all of us and bring us a lot of joy. So it's not a burden but a gift to be able to get up in the middle of the night for the first bottle feeding of the day.
The two rascals are just discovering the world and bringing a new lease of life into our sanctuary.
But take a look for yourself.
New episode on our YouTube channel
Tales of the sanctuary #6
Joar tells us how Hanni and her son Mogli Junior found their way to the sanctuary and what surprise is now waiting for us.
So you don't miss any videos, subscribe to our Youtube channel.
BLOG Tales of the sanctuary
Joar has already proven that he can write, as the author of the book "Kühe kuscheln: Wie die Tiere und ich ein neues Leben begannen (Only available in German)", which quickly became a Spiegel bestseller.
Joar now writes a BLOG for us, in which he shares first-hand insider information about our life farm project with you. It's worth checking back often.
Click here for the first BLOG post...
HANS and WILLI move in
A very warm welcome
We had already planned to add ducks to our farm in the future. But the fact that this happened so quickly and that two ducks moved in directly in March 2024 was a surprise for us too.
Hans, the handsome mallard drake, was brought to us after he escaped from a small animal breeding facility and was found alone in a neighboring village. It seems as if he had guessed that we were in the process of creating a home for ducks anyway. The previous owner could be traced and has contacted us. But - Hans can stay!
Just a few days after Hans moved in, Willi has now also joined our sanctuary family. The runner duck drake has already been allowed to grow up in a loving home. However, he was rejected by the rest of the flock and was therefore looking for a new home.
Hans was delighted to be joined by Willi. Since then, the little male flat-share has been inseparable.
Now we are stepping on the gas: we are damming up the stream so that the ducks can swim and splash around and, of course, more of their kind will soon be joining them.
Move in of HILDE
A very warm welcome
Hilde was rescued from bad husbandry in February 2024. She is the mother of Karl and Sam.
The first meeting with our rabbit group was a bit wild, but now everything is going as it should. Hilde has settled in with us and gets on well with the other rabbits.
The little giantess is looking forward to life, as she can now hop around in the open air, something she was previously denied. Now she is eagerly awaiting the day when her two children Karl and Sam can move in with us at the sanctuary.
New episode on our YouTube channel
Tales of the sanctuary #5
A year full of life!
This refers to the past year 2023. A lot has changed and a lot has happened. Touching, emotional and sad moments.
Looking forward to KARL and SAM
A very warm welcome
The two little giants Sam (white) and Karl (brown) were rescued from poor conditions in January 2024 together with two other siblings.
The mother bit the other four babies to death, presumably because she herself had hardly any space and was not in good health. They were therefore separated from their mother when they were only three weeks old, before they were @kleine_pfoten_grosses_herz_ were recorded.
Sam and Karl are currently undergoing intensive treatment, as Sam in particular has joint problems. They will remain there for the time being and will be lovingly nursed until they are big and fit enough to be integrated into our rabbit group in a few weeks' time.
Farewell to ASBACH-GÜNTHER and HENRIETTA
Over the rainbow bridge
Asbach-Günther and Henrietta were practically founding members. They moved into the animal sanctuary together with other hens and were around 5 years old. We had to say goodbye to them within just one week in January 2024.
Asbach-Günther continued to live at the farm where the sanctuary was founded in 2020. When we moved 2 years ago, he proudly "took over" a small private flock of hens there. Unfortunately, he has now fallen victim to a fox. The farm and coop are very sheltered with lots of animals. Nevertheless, the obviously sick fox came into the henhouse without hesitation. Even after the attack, the fox remained on the premises for a few days. In coordination with the fox rescue service, we offered him food with medication to at least save him.
Henrietta had not been in good condition for several weeks and has not recovered from a knee injury despite intensive treatment. Already weakened, another injury has massively worsened her condition, so we had to let her go with a heavy heart.
Thank you for the great time with you both! You have played a major role in "shaping" the sanctuary. We miss you.
Year 2023
New episode on our YouTube channel
Tales of the sanctuary #4
Hanni and Mogli Junior move into the sanctuary. Be there "live" and experience this emotional moment.
Arrival of HANNI and MOGLI (JUNIOR)
A very warm welcome
Hanni (10 years old) and her son Mogli (5 months) moved into the sanctuary at the beginning of December 2023. The two come from a so-called suckler cow farm, where Hanni has spent almost her entire life.
The farmer had taken mother and son to his heart and wished for a place to live for both of them. We can give this place of life to the two of them on our farm. We are looking forward to many wonderful years with Hanni and Mogli (junior).
You can read the stories of Hanni and Mowgli (Junior) on the page Our cows .
Farewell to BANNI
Disappeared without a trace
Banni moved into the sanctuary together with her brother Bax in April 2021.
One day at the beginning of December 2023, Banni disappeared without a trace. We've been looking for them everywhere and can't explain what happened. We hoped that she had only made one trip and that one day she would sit in front of the enclosure again and want to go back to her friends. Unfortunately, this has not happened so far.
Wherever you are now, Banni – we think of you very often and miss you. Thank you for the beautiful years with you always at the side of your brother Bax.
Farewell to COOKIE
Over the rainbow bridge
Cookie only came to our sanctuary at the beginning of October 2023. We knew that he was no longer the youngest and fittest, but no one expected that we would have so little time with him.
Although he had a big appetite, he was getting thinner and thinner. He was thoroughly examined. Unfortunately, the problems in his heart, lungs and spine were already so advanced that we had to let him go at the end of November 2023. He followed his rabbit partner, who passed away in August.
Cookie, you have conquered our hearts in no time. We miss you!
New episode on our YouTube channel
Tales of the sanctuary #3
We are constantly working on optimizing and expanding the habitat for the animals and creating space for new animals.
In addition, there are always work assignments at the sanctuary, in which we achieve a lot by joining forces. This was also the case during the work assignment in October 2023.
Would you like to support our projects?
You can do this very easily via the donation platform Betterplace, through which we collect donations for our projects.
Support our projects via this link
FRIEDA, LEA and PAULA move in
A very warm welcome
Frieda, Lea and Paula moved into the sanctuary in October 2023.
We were looking for a conspecific for Bea as she couldn't find a friend among the existing flock of chickens.
Lea was the only one of her kind to be given away to a poultry breeding club (the previous owner had noticed that the very large cockerel was causing her stress and would not leave her alone). There she lived with many different chickens, ducks and pigeons, but without a suitable friend.
Paula was rescued together with Frieda because a breeder wanted to reduce his stock.
We hope that Bea will get on well with one of the new hens and find a friend.
BELLE, CID, COOKIE and KARIN move in
A very warm welcome
Belle, Cid, Cookie and Karin were allowed to move directly into the newly designed rabbit quarters in October 2023.
Belle and Cid come from a bad home and were handed over to the shelter. They were then placed together and returned to the shelter. This was repeated one more time.
We adopted Cookie from a private owner. His rabbit partner died in August and he was now alone and seemed sad and lonely.
Karin came from a bad home and ended up in an animal shelter. She had been waiting there for a long time to be rehomed.
We are really looking forward to spending time with you!
Excerpt from HORSTI
Moving out without change of residence
When Horsti became part of the sanctuary family in August 2021, it was already clear that we were looking for another home for him. In mid-October 2021, Horsti was then taken in by a friendly horse farm, where he has been able to enjoy his life among conspecifics ever since.
What was supposed to be a temporary solution at the time quickly turned out to be a very special connection. Horsti has found his best human friend and soul mate there. From the very beginning, it was important to us to have Horsti in our care for as long as it was necessary. After two years, we are happy to announce that Horsti will now be taken over and will be allowed to stay where he has been living for 2 years.
We say THANK YOU for the care to the people of the adjuster farm as well as goodbye and see you soon Horsti, you very special pony of the heart.
WORK ASSIGNMENT
Due to the growing number of animal inhabitants as well as the constant learning of species-specific and individual needs, we are constantly working on optimizing and expanding the habitat for the animals, as well as creating space for new animals.
We always plan smaller and larger projects that we implement together.
THANK YOU to the many hard-working helpers who supported us during the work assignment in October 2023 on site at the sanctuary.
New episode on our YouTube channel
Tales of the sanctuary #2
Accompany Joar on his morning tour of the sanctuary and take care of the animals.
Arrival of ANNI, KARLA and RITA
A very warm welcome
Anni, Karla and Rita were "project hens" to increase the pheasant population. Their task was to hatch the pheasant eggs and teach the pheasant chicks to fly.
Once the bush hens (which are very brute and excellent fliers) had done their job, they were useless and should be slaughtered.
In September 2023, ten of these project hens were rescued. Three of them have moved into their quarters in the animal sanctuary and seven hens have been passed on to good hands in the area.
VISITOR DAY
The fourth and last visitor day of the year took place on September 17th at late summer temperatures at the sanctuary.
Once again, many sponsors from near and far (including from neighbouring countries) accepted the invitation to experience, marvel, pet and cuddle their sponsored animals up close.
It was a beautiful day for humans and animals. We are already looking forward to welcoming you back next year.
Start of an episode on our YouTube channel
Tales of the sanctuary #1
Joar Berge: "With this video series, I would like to take you to the animal sanctuary, give you insights into our work, show encounters that touch me every day. Above all, I want one thing: to give the animals themselves a voice. To show that behind each of these beings there is a very unique personality with their own feelings and emotions."
VISITOR DAY
On August 20th, we invited to the third visitor day of the year at the animal sanctuary.
Despite the hustle and bustle, many sponsors took the opportunity to visit their animal protégés. But also some people interested in our sanctuary project as well as helpers from past work assignments accepted our invitation.
The entire sanctuary family, consisting of humans and animals, says THANK YOU for your support.
It was great with you again.
Farewell to NANNI and LEONTIN
Over the rainbow bridge
Nanni joined us in June 2020, shortly after the foundation of the Lebenshof Odenwald e.V.. Leontin moved into the sanctuary in May 2021.
Nanni was a calm and shy rabbit. Leontin, on the other hand, was particularly trusting and devoted to humans, which is rather unusual for rabbits. He was very curious and could be found wherever there was something going on.
In July 2023, we had to say goodbye to Nanni and then Leontin in quick succession.
Nanni and Leontin, we will always carry you in our hearts.
Arrival of TARA, THEA and THILDA
A very warm welcome
We were able to rescue Thea (left), Tara (middle) and Thilda (right) from factory farming and "stalling" in June 2023.
We wish you three many more happy years on the farm in the flock of hens around rooster Henry.
Farewell to VIKTORIA
Over the rainbow bridge
Viktoria has been part of the sanctuary family since the foundation of the Lebenshof Odenwald e.V. Unfortunately, she was seriously ill. Even an operation, which she had survived well, did not bring the desired improvement in her health situation. In June 2023, she left us for good.
Viktoria, it was nice to have you in our midst. You have enriched our flock of hens.
VISITOR DAYS
On May 7th and 14th, we invited to the Visitors' Day at the animal sanctuary.
Here, the sponsors had the opportunity to visit their sponsored animal. But we were also able to welcome some people interested in our sanctuary project.
It was two beautiful days, with the best weather, with many great people and good conversations.
It's great that you were there and we are already looking forward to seeing you again.
Farewell to PAULINA
Over the rainbow bridge
We took Paulina into the sanctuary family in December 2021 and she was allowed to enjoy her "retirement" in a friendly horse farm among conspecifics.
Paulina had some health problems. In May 2023, we had to say goodbye to her with a heavy heart.
Paulina, take care Sunshine!
Move in with ROSI and WILMA
A very warm welcome
In April 2023, we were able to welcome two new residents to the sanctuary. The calves Wilma (left) and Rosi (right) came to us from the Far North. There, a dairy farmer had converted his organic dairy farm to a life farm (Lunetal farm farm) and was unable to keep all the "last calves".
We are very happy that we are giving Rosi and Wilma a FOREVER home and that we can now see them grow up in our cow herd.
Farewell to POLLY
Over the rainbow bridge
Due to her advanced age, Polly liked to seek peace and quiet. We therefore built a Polly Pocket house for her, where she could retreat if it was too busy for her.
In March 2023, we had to say goodbye to our "Grandma Polly" after a short serious illness.
Grandma Polly, we miss you!