We Give Animals In Need A Forever Home
What We Do
We’ve just launched our UK branch, bringing hope, healing and second chances to animals who’ve known only fear, neglect, or exploitation.
Originally founded in 2001 in Austria, we have over 25 years of experience. We’re here to offer safety, dignity, and love to those animals who need it most. We have rescued more than 8,000 animals across Europe—from traumatised lab chimpanzees and abused circus tigers to forgotten horses and abandoned farm animals.
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Animal welfare knows no borders. By launching in the UK, we join a compassionate network of 33 sanctuaries spanning Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Romania, and Hungary. This international movement brings new hope to animals in crisis and connects us to a wider community working for lasting change across Europe.
Our Vision
At the heart of our mission is a powerful belief: that every animal, regardless of species, age, health, or history, deserves compassion, dignity, and a safe place to call home.
Our commitment is rooted in inclusivity. From elderly farm animals to ex-lab primates and injured wildlife, we offer lifelong sanctuary without discrimination, providing not just shelter, but a promise of love, care, and respect for every life we touch.
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"Even if we could protect animals from us humans, we would have achieved nothing. We will only have achieved something when we no longer have to protect animals from us humans. Then we will have changed something: Us!" ~ Michael Aufhauser, Founder
Who We Are
Michael Aufhauser
Founder
Author and pioneering animal welfare advocate, founded our flagship charity Gut Aiderbichl to rescue animals on a large scale. Driven by compassion and conviction, he believed true animal welfare must go hand in hand with human change.
It is thanks to his expertise, professional dedication and sensitivity for people and animals that we are able to now grow into the UK from Europe.
Dieter Ehrengruber
Executive Director
Dieter Ehrengruber has been part of Gut Aiderbichl since the beginning and played a key role in its founding. Inspired by Michael Aufhauser’s vision of connecting people, especially the young, with rescued animals, he helped bring it to life with passion and dedication.
Now, he’s excited to launch Aiderbichl Animal Aid in the UK as the next step in expanding this compassionate mission internationally.
Rupert Everett
UK Trustee
The acclaimed British actor, writer and director, has joined Aiderbichl Animal Aid as a trustee. Renowned for his roles in Another Country, My Best Friend’s Wedding and Shrek, Everett brings decades of experience in the arts and a deep commitment to animal welfare. His appointment underscores our dedication to expanding our outreach and advocacy efforts in the UK to benefit animal welfare.
24+
Years of animal rescue
9,000+
Rescued Animals
7
European Countries
