Christmas is not the time most people think about bunnies. But for Donna Rome, the Easter icon is more than a passing seasonal fancy. It’s a year-round commitment.
Since 2010, she has rescued and rehabilitated more than 35 bunnies and rabbits. In 2014, she began BunnAgain Rabbit Rescue in Paradis, La.
When the holiday craziness slowed to a crawl on Christmas Day, this single mom awoke to realize she was overwhelmed. Because she had recently started a full-time job, she had less time to devote to the rescue. As a result, her 25 rescued rabbits were in desperate need of routine grooming, and her outdoor pens required extensive maintenance and winter weatherproofing.
Recognizing she needed more than Santa and a sleigh could deliver, she posted a picture of a white rabbit in a red superhero mask and costume on Craigslist with the tagline “We need a superhero @ BunnAgain Rabbit Rescue.”
Photo courtesy Magic Happens Rabbit Rescue
Within the hour, Wendy Lincoln and Helene Breaux, the founder and foster coordinator of Baton Rouge’s Magic Happens Rabbit Rescue (MHRR), respectively, saw the posting and knew what they wanted to do.
Eighteen MHRR volunteers surprised Rome on Jan. 3, arriving in Paradis with lumber and other supplies, rabbit treats and grooming tools. “Even though it was hard work and freezing cold, everybody was ready,” Lincoln says. “The attitude was perfect. It was all about camaraderie and helping others.”
By the end of the day, the group had cleared out storm debris from the property, repaired structures, refurbished the hutches, re-organized the supply room and examined and groomed the rabbits.
“Wendy and Magic Happens are such a lifeline for me,” Rome says. “I’m so grateful for the help, even though they snuck up on me!”
MHRR’s trip to Paradis to help another rescue is unusual given the vast majority of animal rescues work hard to marshal, conserve and carefully guard their resources including adopters, volunteers, money and time.
Photo courtesy Magic Happens Rabbit Rescue
So, why did MHRR expend such effort to help another area rescue? “It’s about the rabbits,” Lincoln explains. “[Both organizations] have waiting lists of rabbits needing to come into foster care.
“If [rabbits] need a place to go and we don’t have room, I don’t want them sitting on the side of the road or ending up in a kill shelter. I’d much rather them with someone I trust.”
Rome agrees. “I don’t think there can—or should—be competition in exotic animal rescue. We need each other. Networking and cooperation are the only way we can get the word out, save, and educate,” she says.
“We learn from each other, spread information and pass on supplies or resources. It’s all about giving the best life possible to the animals being rescued. We can’t do for them what a permanent family can, due to time, space and limited resources. [But if we have] anything that can save a life, make our job easier or improve the chances of an animal in distress, how can we not help each other?”
Creature feature
Even though Easter is months away, MHRR has beautiful bunnies available for adoption now including:
Nyla is a small, young bunny rabbit who arrived at MHRR from Companion Animal Alliance in November 2015. Nyla appeared to be about 8 to 10 weeks old upon arrival. She is very interactive and inquisitive. In spite of her size, she is definitely a bunny with a huge personality. She is also litterbox trained.
Olaf came from a neglect case in early December 2015. He and siblings had been house pets, but due to an illness in the family they were relegated to the garage until MHRR rescued them. This 2-year-old will happily sit in your lap as long as you will let him. Olaf tolerates cats and calm canines. He uses the litter box well.
Aria is a beautiful, short-coat, tan and white bunny. Aria is shy but curious and enjoys the company of another bunny in the house. She also tolerates cats and bunny-friendly small and large dogs. The pair can be adopted together or separately.
Daenerys is a small young, mini-Rex/lionhead. This little diva has lots of personality. She has been exposed to cats and dogs and has no issue with either. Although she enjoys being petted, it’s usually on her own terms. This little girl loves her hay and is perfectly litterbox trained.
London is a Florida White, who came from Companion Animal Alliance. London is a very interactive and inquisitive bunny, who would love to part of a family. She will happily allow her head to be petted in exchange for treats. She is also wonderful with her litter box.
Malakai is a short-coat bunny rabbit mix. He currently living with his siblings: Sebastian, Asher and Araleesi. They can be adopted singly or in groups. This group is very curious and outgoing; but, they are not so keen on being held. They will follow a human housemate around and love to be handfed.
