Animals over careers: An exploration of Lebenshof Odenwald
In the heart of Mörlenbach, Germany, nestled within the picturesque Odenwald, lies a unique haven for animals and humans alike. This is the Lebenshof Odenwald, an animal sanctuary run by Joar Berge, a former IT specialist with a passion for animal rights.
Berge returned to his hometown in 2019 and, inspired by his childhood friendship with a cow named Rexi, bought two cows and started the sanctuary. Since then, he has rescued and cared for around 40 animals, including cows, mini pigs, turkeys, chickens, rabbits, and horses. The sanctuary is a place of joy for both animals and humans, with leisure riders stabling their horses there and paying monthly for the privilege.
Berge advocates for animals to have more rights and respect. He believes that cows have a sense of humor, experience joy, and have individual needs. Keeping cows in large stalls and then killing them, he says, is unethical. He expresses confidence in raising awareness about animal rights and sparking change, but admits that achieving political-structural change is uncertain.
A team of 15 volunteers helps run the sanctuary, and new animals are only taken in if there's space and the financial means. Berge is active on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, sharing videos of himself with the animals and relying on animal sponsorships and donations to cover the monthly fixed costs of approximately 4,000 euros.
The sanctuary was originally a refuge, with the common goal of taking in animals in need and providing them with a safe and secure environment. Berge's desire to create a sanctuary for cows, in particular, was inspired by the tragic loss of Rexi, his childhood friend, who was eventually slaughtered.
In addition to the new bus line 3A launched in Darmstadt's Ludwigshöhe district, Berge's project has also inspired many of his followers to switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet. However, the proceeding against Darmstadt's Ordnungsdezernenten, Paul Georg Wandrey, has been temporarily suspended, adding a layer of complexity to Berge's mission.
Despite the challenges, Berge remains optimistic. He suggests that similar sanctuaries are needed everywhere for the benefit of animals and humans. He believes that these sanctuaries can not only provide a safe haven for animals but also serve as a platform to educate people about animal rights and inspire change.
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