Save Bambi: Luxembourg strengthens measures to save reindeer before the haying season
Erika Fletcher, Unsplash
On 13 March 2025, a press conference was held in Helperknapp with the participation of Martine Hansen, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Wine, and key partners in the reindeer rescue project. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Saint-Hubert Hunters' Federation, Sauvons Bambi Luxembourg, the Chamber of Agriculture and local authorities.
The Minister emphasised: "Protecting fawns before haying begins is a collective endeavour where farmers and volunteers work shoulder to shoulder." It is these volunteers - whether they are hunters or members of Sauvons Bambi - who are the key links in the successful realisation of rescue operations.
During the conference, a national participant inventory, created with the support of the Ministry of the Environment, was presented and is now available through the Ministry of Agriculture portal (https://agriculture.public.lu/de/tiere/tierschutz-tierwohl/rehkitzrettung.html). This tool allows farmers to find nearby volunteers in their commune who are willing to help search for reindeer before the start of mowing.
A national map of the hunting grounds was also presented, marking regions with rescue structures already in place. Most of the country, according to participants, is already covered by such initiatives.
To make the operation more effective, thermal imaging drones operated by volunteers such as Nico Eich, a hunter and drone pilot from Sauvons Bambi, were demonstrated. Such technology can detect cubs hidden in the tall grass before tractors enter the field.
The Ministry is also continuing its information campaign: flyers have been distributed to all farmers, reminding them of the importance of contacting hunters or Sauvons Bambi in advance. In addition to the humanitarian goal of protecting wildlife, this work helps to reduce the risk of botulism in feed caused by the ingestion of decomposed animal bodies.
After the end of the haying season (April to mid-July), the Ministry of Agriculture plans to take stock and work with partners to identify next steps to strengthen rescue measures.
