{"id":1447,"date":"2023-11-18T21:08:39","date_gmt":"2023-11-18T21:08:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lebenshof-odenwald.de\/?page_id=1447"},"modified":"2026-01-10T17:09:56","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T17:09:56","slug":"neuigkeiten","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lebenshof-odenwald.de\/en\/news","title":{"rendered":"News"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Together we will make the best of it<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Quarantine area for our chickens, ducks, and turkeys<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Our pigs have been in quarantine for some time now due to African swine fever. In November 2025, quarantine was also imposed on all birds due to bird flu in the surrounding area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To protect our turkeys, chickens, and ducks, we have built a large aviary and expanded and reorganized the stables. We want our animals to be safe, but still get fresh air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is how we make the best of this unusual situation, which will hopefully soon ease again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all donors who supported this short-term project!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See also the story on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Update:<\/strong> The requirement for birds to be kept indoors was lifted on January 7, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See also the story on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kalli's move<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Kalli has hit the jackpot<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kalli is one of our founding members. As a puppy, he was taken in from a circus by our co-founder and was allowed to grow up lovingly on the farm where our sanctuary was founded in 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, Kalli has made many animal and human friends, and the sanctuary has since moved to another farm. While Kalli was often seen on social media alongside his buddy Joar, he has also spent a lot of time away from the spotlight with his \u201cfoster family\u201d\u2014a family that is also part of the sanctuary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kalli thrives there: he enjoys the undivided attention, being the \u201conly child,\u201d and the shared activities that he loves so much as a herding dog. Working on the farm is often challenging\u2014especially when animals need intensive care, as was recently the case with the little bull Bubi, whom Joar had to look after for many hours a day. We are all the more grateful that Kalli never missed out on time with his favorite people during such times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhere would you like to live, Kalli?\u201d We all know what he would answer to this question. And so it became increasingly clear\u2014also to Kalli himself: the \u201cfoster family\u201d should become a \u201creal family.\u201d With everything that goes with it\u2014love, responsibility, care, and freedom of choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why we jointly decided in October 2025 that Kalli could \u201cmove\u201d \u2013 privately and permanently. He is therefore officially no longer part of the sanctuary \u2013 but our connection remains. We look forward to remaining friends, visiting each other, and continuing to know Kalli as a close friend in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See also the story on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Farewell to PAULA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Over the rainbow bridge<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our dear Paula embarked on her final journey at the beginning of August 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paula had always been fine during her recent health checks. A few days ago, she seemed a little weak. In the evening, her condition worsened, so we took her to the emergency veterinary service. On the way there, Joar said goodbye to her, as it became clear that she had decided to leave us. By the time we arrived at the clinic, she was already unresponsive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paula came to us in October 2023 from a private owner, together with her friend Frieda. Otherwise, they would have been \u201cput down\u201d (= slaughtered) shortly afterwards. Frieda and Paula were inseparable friends from the start and made a great team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At first, both were fearful of people and only relaxed when there was at least an arm's length between them and us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over time, they gained more and more confidence and grew closer to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paula still didn't want to be touched, but standing next to us and pecking calmly was no longer a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you, Paula, for being part of the Lebenshof family. Thank you for the trust you placed in us, which grew stronger and stronger. We know that this was not easy for you. You were only about four years old. We loved you very much and would have liked to have had more time with you. We will miss you very much and you leave a big gap, especially for Frieda. We miss you. Take care, dear Paula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See also the story on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Eddy moves in<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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A very warm welcome<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After Leni had to leave us and Bubi so suddenly, we started looking for a new friend for Bubi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In June 2025, 6-month-old Eddy took this place. Eddy has both physical and probably cognitive developmental delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, the perfect new friend for Bubi, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our greatest hope is that Eddy and Bubi will be able to stay with us for many more happy years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See also the story on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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LENI moves in and says goodbye<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Just a few days with Leni<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were looking for a friend for Bubi, and so Leni came to the farm in May 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bubi and Leni were truly a perfect match in every way. They share a special history: both were likely infected with the bluetongue virus before birth, which led to permanent health challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, we only had a few days with Leni, but they were so full of love, hope, and joy, but also full of sleepless nights, worries, and the constant rollercoaster ride between holding on and letting go, with up to three visits to the vet per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leni had serious health problems. She had to fight hard from birth. We wished we could have had more time with her\u2014more mornings, more cuddles, more of her gentle soul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But life had other plans!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leni had to undergo emergency surgery at the hospital due to sudden complications with her lungs and stomach. She fought bravely, but then... she passed away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leni, in these few days you touched more hearts than words can ever express. Thank you, Leni, for the very short but intense time we had together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We love you and miss you very much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See also the article on moving in on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a> as well as from the farewell on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Care station for Fraufred & Elli<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Fraufred (links) & Elli (rechts)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Stopover at the care station and move to a new home<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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One morning, an injured duck was found on the side of the road. Our friends from the Lebenshof Federbande e.V<\/em>.<\/strong> provided initial medical care. However, they needed a place to stay because the newly founded sanctuary was still under construction. Manfred therefore came to the Odenwald sanctuary and was to live in a shared apartment with Helmut and Hans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wie sich bald herausstellte, war Manfred doch kein Erpel und so wurde die Ente kurzerhand in \u201eFraufred\u201c umgetauft. Die WG mit Helmut und Hans war demnach auch nicht m\u00f6glich, es wurde jedoch schnell eine L\u00f6sung f\u00fcr die Pflegeunterkunft gefunden. Aber jetzt musste nat\u00fcrlich Gesellschaft f\u00fcr Fraufred her.  So kam ebenso Elli mit auf den Lebenshof und leistete Fraufred bei ihrer Genesung Beistand.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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It was clear from the outset that the two ducks, Fraufred and Elli, would be the first animals to be taken in by Lebenshof Federbande e.V. as soon as all the construction work there was completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In May 2025, the time had come and the two female ducks were allowed to move into their new home. Take a look at #Lebenshof.Federbande<\/em><\/strong>how well they are doing there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can read the story of Fraufred at Instagram<\/a> . <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also find Elli's story at Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Farewell to BEA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Over the rainbow bridge<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bea passed away in May 2025 during surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bea had various health issues. As she repeatedly had problems with her uterus, she had been fitted with a hormone chip some time ago to stop egg production. Even though it was clear that she would not recover, we decided to perform surgery to prevent further pain. Bea passed away during the operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bea came to the farm in 2022. Her previous owners had separated and were looking for a new home for their hens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She was a loner from the start, but in recent years she has become increasingly trusting and has also found her place in the group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How wonderful that we were able to accompany you for a few years. Take care, dear Bea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See also the story on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Move-in from BUBI<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A very warm welcome<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is how Bubi unexpectedly found his way to our sanctuary at the end of April 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bubi seems to live in his own little world, in which he feels peaceful, curious and somehow content.<\/p>\n<\/div>

See also the story on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Together we will make the best of it<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Quarantine area for our pigs with disinfection chamber<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These measures affect the entire process and the infrastructure on the farm, so unfortunately no visiting days can take place for the time being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We very much hope - for people and animals - that the situation will ease soon. Until then, let's make the best of it together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See also the story on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Move-in from WILLI<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A very warm welcome<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In March 2025, Willi moved into the sanctuary on his first birthday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Happy Birthday and Happy Rescue Day Willi!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you can't believe it, Willi, you got a great birthday present: a forever home in our herd of cows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See also the story on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Farewell to THILDA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Over the rainbow bridge<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is difficult to find the right words. Our beloved Thilda unexpectedly went on her last journey in March 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thilda was rescued from a laying farm together with Tara (\u2020) 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 \u201cplucked\u201d, 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 \u201cnew\u201d hen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thilda, we didn't expect this. Nothing could get you down and yet you had your own plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We miss you so much, you loving, crazy hen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See also the story on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Early morning service at the sanctuary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Over the rainbow bridge<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See also the story on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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HELENA, HERMINE and HORTENSIA move in<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

See also the story on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Farewell to TARA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Over the rainbow bridge<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u201cAusstallung\u201d (slaughter). On this farm, they lived together with almost 960 other hens in the \u201cfinishing group\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name Tara has many meanings and is, among other things, the name of the Buddhist patron goddess of compassion. Tara also means \u201cchain of peaks\u201d and \u201cstar\u201d. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since day one, she has enjoyed her life with sunbathing, foraging and her friends Thea and Schuppe and has made our hearts happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take care dear Tara!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See also the story on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Year 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farewell to WENDELSTEIN <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Over the rainbow bridge<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the end of December 2024, we had to say goodbye to two animal friends, Wendelstein and Cid, in one day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wendelstein came to us in April 2022 and has been taking great care of his cherubs Elfriede, Helga and Tabea ever since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See also the story on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Farewell to CID <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Over the rainbow bridge<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the end of December 2024, we had to say goodbye to two animal friends, Cid and Wendelstein, in one day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In October 2023, the two then found their \u201cforever home\u201d with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take care you adorable stubborn little guy - it was an honor. We'll take good care of your little friend Belle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See also the story on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Birth of FRITZ <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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A very warm welcome<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waiting for the birth was very exciting for us, as we had never experienced such an event at the sanctuary before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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See also the story on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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KARL and SAM move in<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Karl<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Sam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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A very warm welcome<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The two little giants Sam (white) and Karl (brown) first had to be cared for intensively due to health problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now mom Hilde is reunited with her two boys Karl and Sam and enjoying rabbit life on our farm.<\/p>\n<\/div>