Prof. Detlef Fölsch, DVM

November 23, 1937 – June 26, 2026

“As animal owners and consumers—but above all as human beings—we have an ethical responsibility toward the animals we keep as livestock and pets. I consider it our duty to meet their needs to the greatest extent possible” (Quote from Detlef Fölsch)

In 1993, Detlef Fölsch, who had previously been working at ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology), was appointed to the University of Kassel in Witzenhausen with the support of a professorship initially funded externally for five years (by the Schweisfurth and Reemtsma Foundations). For the first time, a specialized area of behavioral research—the new field of livestock ethology (Applied Livestock Ethology and Species-Appropriate Animal Husbandry)—could thus be offered in the agricultural sector. Through Detlef Fölsch’s lively persuasiveness and his unconventional and friendly manner, he inspired a large number of students, guided them through project work and thesis projects—and in some cases, all the way to their dissertations—and thus helped shape many of their life paths. The establishment of the endowed professorship was also a key prerequisite for the creation of the first nationwide academic specialization in organic farming in 1993. Within this specialization—and later in the Organic Agriculture degree program—Detlef Fölsch and his Employees taught essential required and elective courses. He was also keen to pursue interdisciplinary approaches here, causing a stir, for example, with an artistically critical exploration of ethics in livestock farming at a documenta exhibition in Kassel.

Open to new methods and scientific approaches, he established, for example, “ethological exercises” both on commercial farms and at the Sababurg Wildlife Park, which illustrate scientific methods in a practical context and remain very popular with students to this day. The experimental farms in Neu-Eichenberg, which were still nearby at the time, were used extensively, as Detlef Fölsch believed that direct contact with animals—or “learning through research”—was an essential prerequisite for his students’ professional success in consulting and policy. Alumni vividly recall his unique lectures, including, for example, his imitation of chicken sounds to help students empathize with the animals in various states of arousal. Detlef Fölsch could also be combative and tenacious, especially when it came to implementing animal-friendly husbandry practices. He was particularly active in the field of species-appropriate chicken husbandry and played a key role in achieving major advances in animal welfare. First in Switzerland, and later in Germany, he worked with colleagues with great dedication and expertise to advocate for more species-appropriate housing for laying hens, which ultimately led to the abolition of cage housing for laying hens in Germany as well, marking a milestone in animal welfare for the laying hen industry.

We bid farewell to a remarkable person who will remain unforgettable both as a human being and within the professional community. With the passing of Detlef Fölsch, the University of Kassel has lost a highly esteemed educator and researcher. The department will honor his memory with deep respect.