Organization
Our goals
Our team
Piet Umiker
Managing Director
Ever since I can remember, I have been guided by my heart for animals.
As a child, I used to bring home a bird that had fallen out of its nest in the forest and nurse it back to health.
I also remember bringing hedgehogs to the hedgehog station in winter when I was a little boy.
So it was not surprising that I also dedicated my professional future to animals.
In 2016, I founded the Tierhotel 5 Stern AG to realize my dream of a boarding kennel that goes far beyond the legal requirements for species-appropriate animal husbandry.
Because of my love for animals and my desire to raise awareness of species-appropriate animal husbandry among the next generation, I am involved in the Hedgehog Aid Association.
Through my role as managing director, I can offer the association a solid basis and help to protect the lives of hedgehogs.
Michael Klauser
Board of Directors, President
Although I don’t have any pets, the welfare of animals is close to my heart.
Through the work of the association, I first became aware of the situation in Swiss animal shelters and the fundamental problems.
I think the association is a great vehicle for bringing about a change in the current situation.
That’s why I decided to work for the Igel-Hilfe association free of charge with my graphic design company Blue Yeti Studios.
Petra Scheidegger
Board of Directors, Actuary
Unfortunately, there are more and more animals that find themselves in dangerous situations due to human intervention in nature.
I would like to make a contribution to ensuring that all animals in need are given the chance of a good life.
That’s why I took part in the founding of the Hedgehog Aid Association and support the association on a voluntary basis.
Lorena Graber
Responsible animal care
I turned my passion into a profession and trained as an EFZ animal keeper.
Volunteering for the association allows me to follow my heart’s desire and do something good for found animals.
I would like to help find the animals a new home or release them into the wild in an animal-friendly way.
In addition to caring for the hedgehogs entrusted to us, I am also responsible for training and keeping them occupied so that they can experience a wonderful and fulfilling transitional period with us.
Nick Willershausen
Wildlife management
At the age of 4, after a drastic experience, I decided to become a vet. This wish is still with me and will be fulfilled in the next few years.
A versatile detour led me to train as a wildlife keeper – a profession I would not want to miss – in a zoo with a sanctuary for native wild animals, so I already have a lot of experience and knowledge which is expanding every day, With these resources and a boundless commitment and drive, I can bring various benefits for nature, animal and species conservation, be it in the treatment, care and release of animals in need of help, by sensitizing society to the natural and animal world and the associated all-encompassing ecological relationships.
By training specialist staff or educating and inspiring the conservationists of tomorrow, or by planning and implementing conservation projects and much more.
Together with Tierschutz Nordwestschweiz, I believe we can help a broken world to heal a little.
Laura Sandmeier
Manager
It is not only our duty but also a privilege to care for those who cannot help themselves.
Working with hedgehogs reminds me of this every day.