Responsibility for animals: How to become an animal hero!

Responsibility in the Neflental: How to become an animal hero!

There is a very special night in the Neflental valley. Some call it the frost night. On this night, there is snow on the meadows and the dark sky glitters with stars. The cold air is clear and every snowflake that slowly floats down from the sky sparkles like a memento from times long past. The branches of the trees glisten as the hoar frost paints them silver. A wonderful, spherical ringing of bells sounds softly from the deep valley and everyone senses that something magical can happen on this night.

The owl watch and a big problem

The Eulenwarte stands on the edge of the Neflental forest. It is a thick, old tree stump. A family of owls has been keeping night watch on this tree stump for many, many years. From there, the owls can see everything that happens in the small valley. They make sure that all the animals are well, especially in winter. But they can't always do this alone. Animals need friends to look after them, especially when it is icy and dark.

A stormy start to the frosty night

Rosa Periwinkle trudges through the crunching snow. She hears the soft hooting of a young owl. Most animals sleep deep and warm in the protection of their burrows, nests and holes in the ground. But the owlet on the owl perch sits alone and freezes. The wind is blowing cold and a few snowflakes remain on his feathers.

Instead of simply walking on, Rosa Periwinkle pauses. She thinks about it: What can she do to stop the owlet from freezing? She remembers that taking responsibility for animals means looking and helping - even when no one is watching. This is the moment when you can become an animal hero.

How to become an animal hero in Neflental

Rosa Periwinkle looks around. In the forest, she finds a soft patch of moss and some loose feathers that have fallen down from the last storm. She collects everything because she has learnt that every little thing can help. Slowly, she climbs up to the owl's perch so that the boy doesn't get scared.

"Here, snuggle up in the moss and put the feathers on your back!" she whispers, covering the trembling chick with them. But that's not enough. Warmth is also important. That's why Rosa Periwinkle sits quietly next to the chick for a while and shares her own body heat.

They suddenly hear a crackling sound through the snow. It is the mother owl. She thanks Rosa Periwinkle for looking after her child. The two smile at each other because they know that responsibility for animals is important and that courage always pays off.

The morning after the frosty night in Neflental

The next morning it is a little warmer. The young owl is already fluttering cheerfully around the owlery. The big owl calls Rosa Periwinkle to him and tells her a secret: "Whoever protects animals also protects the heart of the valley." It's so easy to become an animal hero in your everyday life. Sometimes it is enough to be attentive and help small animals. In the Neflental, even the smallest step becomes a great adventure if you open your eyes and your heart.

What do we learn from this?

Look out for animals in nature. Take a look when you walk through the Neflental valley. Every animal, big or small, sometimes needs help. You can collect moss, find food or simply give them warmth. And when the next frost comes, you'll know: You too can be a hero for the animals and help protect the magical bond of the Neflental.

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