ALMA
The Rescue Story: A farmer contacted us because she thought this young cow would be a good fit for our little Bubi [[@bubis_wonder] fits – since she, too, is “different.”
At just over 1.5 years old, Alma is much smaller than others her age, very thin, and had trouble keeping up with the herd. She had a very difficult start in life, and the farmer fought for weeks to keep her alive. Alma, the little fighter, chose life.
Of course, we fell in love with her right away. When we adopted Alma in March 2026, the first thing we did was take her straight to the veterinary clinic to have her thoroughly examined.
See also the story on Instagram and Facebook.
BUBI
We received a 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.
So Bubi found his way to our sanctuary unexpectedly in April 2025 at just under 3 months old and weighing only 65 kg.
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.
DAGI
Dagi doesn't have a "dramatic rescue story". But she was for sale. We'd rather not imagine the possibilities of what would have become of this so-called "farm animal".
Dagi was bought free by Joar and, together with Emma, was the foundation stone for the later establishment of the animal sanctuary.
Although Dagi is physically the smallest cow in the herd, she is very spirited and has a strong character. She gets wild like a lioness when it comes to the herd, but is so gentle at the same time. She masters her task as herd leader with exemplary fairness.
EDDY
After Leni had to leave us so suddenly, we started looking for a new friend for Bubi.
In June 2025, 6-month-old Eddy took this place. Eddy has both physical and probably cognitive developmental delays.
Born as twins, his brother developed normally, but Eddy needed extra care from the start. So he had to be bottle-fed. The farmer tried to introduce him to the herd out in the pasture, but he couldn't find his place. It became clear that it would be too dangerous for him in the long run.
So, the perfect new friend for Bubi, right?
His initial health checks revealed some concerns, such as his heart and eyes. We are working with specialists to ensure that Eddy receives the best possible care.
Our greatest hope is that Eddy and Bubi will be able to stay with us for many more happy years.
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EMMA
Emma was bought by Joar from an organic dairy farm that had given up the business. Together with Dagi, she was the foundation stone for the later establishment of the animal sanctuary.
Emma's horns were removed shortly after birth. Emma is a quiet and calm observer. She is the secret herd leader and a very close friend to Dagi.
FRITZ
Fritz was born on our farm in August 2024.
Mom Hanni had moved in with her son Mogli Junior just a few months earlier. What we didn't know was that Hanni was already pregnant again at the time.
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.
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HANNI
Hanni comes from a so-called suckler cow herd, where she has spent almost her entire life. As the oldest cow in the herd, Hanni had a special place in the hearts of the farmer and his family, so they wanted a place for her and her son Mogli (Junior) to live.
In December 2023, Hanni moved in with her son at the sanctuary and what we didn't know at the time was that she was expecting another calf.
LUISE
Luise came to us at the sanctuary in October 2020. She was not a classic "waste product", but would certainly have been suitable for the conventional dairy industry.
However, the farmer simply had no room for her and could not find a buyer. He then contacted our sanctuary because Luise's life was important to him.
Luise can now enjoy her life in the herd.
MARA
Mara comes from a traditional dairy farm, but was lucky enough to be bought free before the "Lebenshof Odenwald e.V." association was founded.
Mara is our "Therapy cow". She is so gentle that you can put her in a crowd of visitors. When you pick her up 2 hours later, she hasn't moved an inch, just enjoyed being stroked and "healed" a few people along the way.
MARGOT
Margot is the daughter of a dairy cow from a dairy farm and is a female twin calf. Female twin calves are usually infertile and therefore not suitable as dairy cows.
Margot has never given up being a child. She is humorous and funny and always at the forefront, when there is something to discover. In the herd, she is rather low ranking, but takes it easy.
MATHILDA
In May 2025, a new cow suddenly appeared in the middle of our herd. But what had happened?
A dairy farmer from a nearby village had taken a group of cows to a pasture miles away from us. For this young girl, the unfamiliar situation was simply too much, and she panicked.
She took off running. Through fences, across meadows and fields, over a horse pasture, through a stream—until she finally entered the enclosure where our cows live and joined our herd at the sanctuary.
Usually, people rescue animals and take them to a shelter or a sanctuary. Mathilda simply chose her own sanctuary.
Of course, everyone was overwhelmed—people and animals alike. Their owners arrived quickly, but Mathilda was still so frightened that no one could get near her. She seemed to feel safe only when surrounded by the other cows.
So we all decided to give her some time at first. And somehow, right away, we had this feeling: “This cow should stay. She belongs here.”
Of course, the farmer never intended to give her away. That's why we're especially grateful that, after many conversations, he finally decided to let Mathilda stay with us.
From the very beginning, it felt as if she had always been part of the herd. Rarely has a new member been welcomed so calmly and naturally.
As soon as she got used to her new situation, she became more curious and trusting with each passing day. The fact that she’s so open with people also shows us that she must have been well treated at her previous farm.
Thank you, Mathilda, for choosing us as your family.
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MOGLI
Mogli was probably the smallest and skinniest calf we have ever seen. As a male calf, he was also not suitable for the dairy industry.
Mogli was carried into the stable when he moved in, he was so small. Sometimes he still thinks he's a little calf, then behaves like a lap dog and seeks affection.
MOGLI (Junior)
Mogli (Junior) is Hanni's son and had a very difficult start in life after birth, as he almost died of pneumonia. The farmer fought for his life for days and promised him that he would never be slaughtered.
Mogli (Junior) moved into this forever home together with his mother Hanni at the beginning of December 2023.
As we already have a "big" Mogli in the herd, the little one (Mogli) can be called Junior.
ROSI
Rosi came to us together with Wilma from the far north. There, a dairy farmer had converted his organic dairy farm to a life farm (Lebenshof Lunetal) and was unable to keep all the "last calves".
Rosi was 5 weeks old when she moved in with us in April 2023 and was very reserved at first. However, she is thawing out more and more and is gaining confidence.
WILLI
In March 2025, Willi moved to Lebenshof Odenwald on his first birthday. He was soon to be taken to the slaughterhouse.
Even if he couldn't understand it, he got the best birthday present: a place in our herd of cows.
What's more, Willi can now grow up together with his two half-brothers Junior and Fritz.
See also the story on Instagram and Facebook.
WILMA
Wilma moved into the sanctuary together with Rosi in April 2023 when she was 7 weeks old and thus became part of the sanctuary family.
Wilma is very trusting and cuddly. She is inseparable from her friend Rosi and is her "big sister in spirit".