--- title: "Amy, Julio and Sahira, pigs, become residents at Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf; sanctuary secured after Clever Pig Lab project." sdDatePublished: "2026-06-17T13:04:00Z" source: "https://www.gut-aiderbichl.com/en/stories/pigs-amy-julio-and-sahira/" topics: - name: "scientific research" identifier: "medtop:20000735" - name: "agriculture" identifier: "medtop:20000210" locations: - "Switzerland" - "Salzburg" --- Amy, Julio and Sahira, pigs, become residents at Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf; sanctuary secured after Clever Pig Lab project. Pigs Amy, Julio and Sahira | Gut Aiderbichl, Henndorf In well-deserved civil servant pension Romanian dogs of “mature” age are hoping for a loving welcome “Cat alarm” at Gut Aiderbichl “Schnütchen” – the young foal Tessa A "wry nose" is not a death sentence for a horse Beckham – hope for healing in the Egg rehabilitation center Sheep Sisi and Franz and their lambs Sisi and Franz - their little lambs Erika and Gitte make them completely happy The… Rabbit Snowflake – love had probably turned into boredom Horses Eleonore, Willow and Freya Pigs Amy, Julio and Sahira A ‘really cool’ life for Amy, Julio and Sahira The three pigs, Amy, Julio and Sahira, come from a special pig project in Switzerland. The research project has now been completed, and the farmer set about looking for a new sanctuary for the pigs. Research topic: SchweinErleben – How do pigs behave in free-range conditions? The FiBL (Research Institute of Organic Agriculture) in Switzerland conducted research into the behaviour of pigs reared outdoors. The aim of the three-year study was to provide a better understanding of pig behaviour so that, for example, housing systems can be made more species-appropriate and better tailored to the pigs’ needs. In general, the research is intended to help people learn to ‘understand’ pigs (Source: FiBL – Living in the wild: FiBL project aims to better understand the natural behaviour of pigs ). Amy, Julio and Sahira – The little family of pigs in Henndorf Amy (aged 5), Julio (aged 2) and Sahira (around 1½ years old, Amy and Julio’s daughter) have become Aiderbichlers. Headstrong, loving and full of character – that’s Julio, Amy and Sahira. Amy – the calm centre Amy is Sahira’s mum and brings a sense of calm to the little pig family. She enjoys being stroked, but only when she asks for it herself. Julio – the head of the family who loves a cuddle Julio is relaxed, no matter what the situation. He knows exactly what he wants. Especially when it comes to food, he makes it absolutely clear with his grunts that it’s feeding time. It’s highly advisable not to touch Julio whilst he’s eating. Julio chooses the people who are allowed to scratch his tummy and stroke him. If he finds the touch pleasant, he lies down and enjoys the moment to the full. We’re also slowly learning that behind the demanding Julio lies a real cuddly bear. Stroking him makes Julio grunt with pleasure. He closes his eyes and savours the moment. Sahira – the thoughtful daughter Sahira is a live wire; she’s full of energy and makes it very clear that she wants attention, demanding cuddles in no uncertain terms. When the stroking really does her good, she goes limp as a rag and savours the attention. She’s cuddly and loves every bit of well-meaning human attention she gets – ideally round the clock. For 25 years, Gut Aiderbichl has been deeply committed to giving pigs a voice. Whilst people tend to view them primarily as farm animals and animals that are eaten, Gut Aiderbichl seeks to raise awareness that these highly intelligent, sensitive animals are being misunderstood. The Clever Pig Lab – The Clever Pig Laboratory For several years now, the group of Kune-Kune pigs from the Clever Pig Lab has been living at Gut Aiderbichl in Henndorf. In 2014, a dedicated team from the Messerli Research Institute set out to dispel the misconceptions surrounding pigs through observation and education. At the Clever Pig Lab, 37 Kune-Kune pigs were given something that most pigs never experience: the freedom to be themselves. In a wooded area, these pigs were born and reared in a world where they were nourished, respected and understood. They lived in stable social groups, formed friendships and explored the world. Research shows that pigs can learn names, recognise faces, use touchscreens and even teach each other new skills. Following the conclusion of the Messerli Institute’s research project, the pigs found a forever home at Gut Aiderbichl in Henndorf. There’s no such thing as a stupid pig; pigs want to be consulted and valued Our many years of working with and living alongside the pigs at Gut Aiderbichl have shown us that pigs want to be asked: ‘Hello, may I stroke you? How are you? May I sit down with you in the straw?’ … When a person asks, the pig responds with a grunt. If you take the time to understand a pig’s nature, you’ll soon realise what it’s trying to say with its grunts. We wish Amy, Julio and their daughter Sahira a healthy, long life full of respect and love at Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf! No animal deserves to have its name misused to insult a person. – (Ernst R. Hauschka) By: Gisela Pschenitschnig, Gut Aiderbichl More information about the project: Clever Pig Lab