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TODAY
Send us pictures of your pet bunnies, and they might be featured on TODAY.com!
As spring approaches, ushering in warmer weather and the Easter holiday, our thoughts turn to a creature particularly well-suited to the season: the bunny rabbit. With the coming thaw, we’ll be seeing a lot more of those baby cottontails bouncing around outside (and oh my, are they ever cute).
But let’s not forget those pet bunnies you share your homes and lives with — the ones who’ve kept you company with their antics and, well, adorableness. In anticipation of Easter — the bunny’s biggest night in the spotlight — we want to see your pet rabbits in all their furry cuteness. We’ll be featuring our favorites in the coming week for all to admire.
Please share your own photos here:
EPA
In honor of the Easter holiday, we rounded up some photos of the floppiest and fluffiest bunnies we could find.
Leave a Comment:
As someone who has 4 rescue rabbits, can I say that this is very irresponsible. Most baby rabbits who are purchased for Easter won't make it to their first birthdays. Rabbits are wonderful pets, but people need to do their homework.
Please do not encourage people to go out and purchase Easter Bunnies. Most of those rabbits end up either released into the wild, which is a sure death from either starvation or being eaten by a predator, or surrendered to an animal shelter. These lovely creatures are not toys. Unless someone is ready to make a ten year committment to the life and care of a rabbit they should be purchasing a chocolate bunny! Please enourage your viewers to consider adopting a rabbit from their local animal shelter, only after educating themselves on the proper care of rabbits. Rabbits.Org is a wonderful place to obtain that education before adopting a rabbit!
As much as I'd love to show off my shelter rabbit, I hesitate to do so, especially so close to Easter. Yes, rabbits are adorable. Yes, they're wonderful companions. But they are not for everyone, especially (and I'm sure, surprisingly) NOT for most children. They have specific diet needs (my rabbit requires so much fresh produce every week, she has her own mini-fridge where I store it), not all are cuddly, most HATE to be picked up off the ground, and if your house isn't bunny-proofed, be prepared to lose your books, cords, plants, drywall & doorjambs to the shredding/ chewing machine that is a rabbit. They require regular vet visits. Maintaining a healthy, well-adjusted rabbit is actually more work than a dog, in my humble opinion. But as an avowed "rabbit person," I believe it's totally worth it. If you're going to feature rabbits, please do so responsibly. Talk to the people over at the House Rabbit Society (www.rabbit.org). Please educate the public about these wonderful animals, don't just hype the "cute."
Please include a message in yr broadcast about the long-term care & proper diet required for rabbits! Thousands of baby rabbits are purchased on impulse & dumped at shelters a few short months after Easter - we see it every year. Please don't contribute to this horrific cycle by airing an "aren't rabbits cute" segment without full information about their proper care & dietary requirements and lifespan. Contact the House Rabbit Society (www.rabbit.org) - they have lots of great information about rabbits or invite Amy Sedaris to speak about them - she's a rabbit lover. Pls BE RESPONSIBLE in yr segment and don't feed the Easter bunny hype! There's so much more to a rabbit than just cuteness - they are intelligent, sensitive and social animals that do best in calm environments. They generally dislike being carried about and are very fragile. They are NOT recommended for very young children who should receive chocolate bunnies or stuffed animals instead. Thanks for
Well put, everyone! I am a Volunteer for The House Rabbit Network and have 3 rabbits of my own--2 of which I’ve adopted from HRN, all of which were abandoned. Easter is a critical time of year for us at HRN as many people impulsively purchase
live rabbits as gifts--without really understanding what is involved in caring
for a rabbit and that choosing a bunny as a pet is more than just deciding on a
whim as a “cute idea” for an Easter gift.
Unfortunately, most people don't realize that rabbits are just as much work (if not more) as dogs or cats. Sadly, many bunnies end up abandoned and ultimately, in shelters (the lucky ones) or worse.
It would be wonderful to have Today run a more informed article promoting the
importance of research and understanding the needs of a rabbit. As Easter is fast approaching, it is vitally important to inform the public. Please see the HRN Press Release on this matter:
These wonderful creatures and I would be eternally grateful if anyone considering a
pet rabbit would please take the time to research/get informed before making
such an important decision and invite them to visit Bunny Basics (), a quick
reference/tool on the basics of caring for a rabbit which provides folks insight
of what is involved.
HRN is a rescue group that not only finds homes for discarded domestic rabbits but also, tries to educate the public about them.
Many thanks for your time and consideration!
Tina Forbes
HRN Volunteer
www.rabbitnetwork.org
Hi, I would like to comment on here due to the posts on here before mine. So many people make owning a rabbit sound horrible and more difficult than raising a puppy or a cat. That is actually false. I have owned all sorts of animals as pets and rabbits are by far the easiest to own and care for. I had never owned a rabbit before in my life till I bought my pet bunny Gru. I did my research however and decided I wanted one, and since then research almost every day about something or other that I just am curious to know. I am a breeder, but I do not sell rabbits around Easter due to the fact that there are people that wont research. But I would like to point out, there are people that will provide bunnies with forever homes. I think the main issue with animals being dumped, are obviously cats and dogs, which you can tell from all the shelters and rescues that are full of them. Most rabbits don't get dumped, a few do, but usually wind back in someone elses home that loves them! So for me, I don't see the big issue that some people are making about rabbits being sold, period. I still have my first rabbit, he loves me, and I love him. People just need to be educated on rabbits, same as any animal. Just so they know what the basic care guidelines are. I have a lot of bunny information on my rabbit page on FB. The Traveling Bunnies
everyone should make sure to stop in and check out the information I have on there before purchasing a bunny. Or do your own research. Rabbits do make amazing pets! And I love all of mine!
RachelnGru
from -The Traveling Bunnies
I have owned many, many rabbits over the years (currently nine) and rabbits are by far a bigger investment than MOST people account for when buying. It is great that you educate the people who buy from you, but many pet stores offer sales and a few supplies and send people home clueless. When a rabbit hits puberty they can change personality (and fight, if more than one are kept together unaltered), spray, and otherwise be pains in the rear to owners unprepared. As prey animals, rabbits are extremely fragile (one of mine passed to a broken back and another from a broken neck, from simply moving the wrong way) and need to feel secure as they can die of shock; children need to be supervised when handling them, and loud/sudden noises can be deadly. Picking them up and carrying them about - while fine for the ones who enjoy it - is not a favorite activity for most rabbits. Some don't even like to cuddle, and only want nose rubs. They have particular diet needs and sensitive stomachs. Rabbit care is expensive (fresh veggies all the time adds up), vet trips and altering are just as necessary as for a cat or a dog, and rabbits CAN be destructive if not given time, patience, and attention, and redirected. Rabbits also have a ~10-year lifespan when altered, unlike most "small animals" such as rodents living for 1-3 years. The selling of bunnies is for many as problematic as the selling of puppies and kittens - you mentioned that shelters are full of dogs and cats, but they are also full of rabbits sorely in need of homes. Make no mistake, owning a bunny is NOT a horrible experience! It's just not one to take lightly based on the cuteness factor. Make no mistake, owning a bunny is NOT a horrible experience! It's just not one to take lightly based on the cuteness factor, and impulse buys happen quite a bit around Easter. Look into the "make mine chocolate" campaign for more information on why people are making a fuss =]
Please, folks, do NOT believe a lot of what RachelInGru has said about the domestic rabbit. What others said before her is far, far more true. Yes, they are cute and adorable and curious and intelligent. They are also, however, MUCH more work than cats or dogs. And they do NOT mix well with children; rabbits are prey animals, up means danger, and they WILL eventually either be dropped and broken, or jump to escape. They can be litter box trained, but require special litter. They must have access to GOOD, high quality hay (not straw) such as Timothy, Oat hay, Orchard Grass, etc., 24/7, period. If a female bun goes unspayed, her chances of contracting female-related cancers are a whopping 85%! True rabbit-savvy vets are hard to find and can be a bit more expensive. Sadly, many vets consider rabbits throw-away pets; why spend $800 on a problem when you can get a new one for $20? We have a family-sized refrigerator in our garage to store the vast amounts of produce I purchase weekly. Those of us who are owned by the domestic rabbit do not mean to make it sound like no one should ever get a rabbit. Only that they should not be given as cute little Easter presents to small children - unless a thorough job of research has been done. Pet stores will sell tiny cages that are far too small for a rabbit. Additionally on that subject, they most often do not come with resting boards. A rabbits' feet are very tender and will not ever get used to being on wire. The results of this are horrific and painful. Look in the 'treat' section at a pet store - 90% of what is being sold as rabbit treats are completely unacceptable and will lead to disaster for your bun (i.e., kernnels of corn, sunflower seeds IN the seed, bird treat sticks, etc., etc.). Those of us in rabbit rescue have seen too much suffering to take this lightly. And they DO get dumped all of the time, all of the time. "Set free" is how some view it, when they realize the care, time and expense involved. The domestic rabbit is a joyful, intelligent and amazing animal. They are a lifetime committment (our Janice Joplin lived to be almost 14!). Just please, please do extensive research; visit rabbit.org before choosing an animal based on a holiday. Thank you all.
I do agree with much of what the above comments say (except the one that says that rabbits are easy to care for - not to say that it's difficult, but they ARE a lot of work - and that they don't get dumped - absolutely untrue - I volunteer with a rescue and see it firsthand) I think that this could, however, be a good opportunity to show a lot of people that HOUSE rabbits make great pets, as long as you do your research, prepare yourself for the commitment, and adopt from a rescue rather than support breeding operations. I hope that the Today Show will emphasize that 1) rabbits belong in the house as part of the family 2) they are a long-term commitment - contrary to popular belief, they can live 8-12 years, and sometimes even longer! 3) they MUST be spayed/neutered for health & behavioral reasons as well as the obvious 4) they DO require vet care by an experienced rabbit vet and 5) people need to research their proper care before adopting. While I certainly strongly oppose impulse purchases of "Easter bunnies", the season is an opportunity to educate people about rabbits. Today Show, PLEASE mention that wonderful care information can be found on the House Rabbit Society website - www.rabbit.org. I have 3 rescued rabbits whom I adore, and I did submit photos. I hope they will show people that rabbits are good house pets for those who are prepared. Thank you!
I volunteer at a shelter and see how many rabbits are dumped on a daily basis. They are A LOT of work - even more so than a dog or cat, (and believe me, I have a very sick elderly dog and he's not nearly as much work as my young healthy bunnies). Thousands of young rabbits sold at Easter don't live to see their first birthday. Unweaned babies sold at pet stores, street corners and swap meets die of starvation and disease because they're an impulse purchase and lied to by sellers. It would be nice for the Today Show to highlight the issues facing pet bunnies. They are a lot of work. They live a long time. They aren't suitable for children and definitely NOT suitable for a classroom.
Rabbits are wonderful! BUT...they are NOT easy to care for. They are NOT inexpensive. They are NOT toys that should be given as gifts. They are a 10 year+ commitment, during which time they will give boundless joy and endless heartache. They will cost money, time and involvement and will pay it all back with so much more. I wouldn't be without rabbits in my life, but I know what hard work they are and I must caution anyone against getting them if they are not prepared to make the commitments that are needed.
In addition to my 3 wonderful rabbits mentioned above, I also have 2 dogs and 1 cat as well as plenty of experience with dogs and cats. My rabbits are by far much more work. I love them more than anything and love the work but my point was to get the word out that there is more time and commitment involved which most people don't know. I had no idea when we decided to keep my first rabbit that someone abandoned in my driveway. I learned the hard way about the senstive digestive system. Luckily, she lived but most aren't as lucky when uninformed!
I'm sorry but in response to this: "Most rabbits don't get dumped, a few do, but usually wind back in someone elses home that loves them! So for me, I don't see the big issue that some people are making about rabbits being sold, period"
I volunteer at a rabbit shelter and have rescued abandoned rabbits. One common occurrence is the uninformed purchasing rabbits at a pet store, local fairs, while apple picking, etc. that are not altered, are told they have two males and find out one of them is expecting, etc. etc. etc. Many, many abandoned rabbits that have been rescued deliver litters days after being rescued. Initially, the rescue is 4 rabbits but days later, it is 20 rabbits. There have been boxes left outside vets offices, local ACO offices with anywhere from 4-9 rabbits. Rabbits were discarded at a volunteer's home who now has 34 rabbits (and counting) after numerous litters have been born just this week. The last of the females should be having her litter soon. The worst is the ads on craiglist selling or giving for free rabbits as snake food, etc.
It is horrible that any pet is "dumped" regardless of whether it's a rabbit, dog, cat, bird, etc. The point here is that Easter is a critical time for rabbits and it is best to get the word out. Please see press release: www.rabbitnetwork.org/pr/7mar13.shtml
www.rabbitnetwork.org/pr/7Mar13.shtml