Donkey Benjamin causes a stir in the transport of shaft over the Rhine
Donkey Benjamin causes a stir in the transport of shaft over the Rhine
Königswinter: 550 sheep and goats come with the Rhine ferry
A special campaign took place in Königswinter, in which around 550 sheep and goats were transported by ferry across the Rhine. The transport has now lasted three years and has become routine for everyone involved. On Tuesday morning, however, the donkey Benjamin, who belongs to the herd, caused a little excitement. The headstrong donkey didn't really want to go to the ferry, but was finally accompanied by Schäfer Johannes Bois on the ship after he had to invest some of the effort. This time there were a total of four donkeys on board, including a pregnant mare.
less viewers than usual
The event was moving to the Bonn Rheinaue compared to previous years this year. The absence of a large group of elementary school students, who used to make the spectacle in the past, contributed to the fact that it was quieter. This quieter environment was probably a relief for the animals. Before transportation, the flock of sheep spent five days in the Rheinaue and was then prepared for the crossing to Mehlem.
natural landscape maintenance by grazing
grazing by sheep and goats is considered one of the most effective methods for landscape maintenance. These animals are able to achieve difficult and difficult to access areas, which helps you to prevent overgrowth with bushes. During the night they are guarded by special herd protection dogs that were also transported over the ferry. The sheep and goats will be grazing over the course of the year on various areas in the Bonn area and in the Siebengebirge nature park.
support from the mayor
The mayor of Bonn was also among the companions Katja Dörner, who now took part in the crossing for the first time. She dealt intensively with the topic of landscape maintenance through grazing and supports the continuation of the project, after which the first attempts in 2024 were classified as successful. Dörner also expressed her interest in the profession of shepherd and paid tribute to the devotion that Johannes Bois invests in his work.a free transport for the herd
The transport of the animals with the Rhine ferry between Königswinter and Mehlem offers safe and free service. Michael Birk, the managing director of the ferry, sees this transport as an important support for meaningful animal care. The consistent use of this method shows how tradition and modern landscape care can go hand in hand.