International Rabbit Day – September 24, 2023, history significance why we celebrate
International Rabbit Day is celebrated on the fourth Saturday of September every year, falling on September 24 this year. Although we would love to celebrate bunnies every day, this day is especially observed to promote the care and protection of domestic and wild rabbits. The Rabbit Charity in the U.K. founded International Rabbit Day in 1998.
The goal of this initiative is to ensure that rabbits that have been left unprotected or abandoned, find care and permanent shelters. Rabbits are prone to viral diseases and can become easy prey for a lot of animals. This day reminds us that there is more we can do for them.
History of International Rabbit Day
House Rabbit Society has been celebrating International Rabbit Day for a number of years. Their mission states the following:
“ALL rabbits are valuable as individuals, regardless of breed purity, temperament, state of health, or relationship to humans. The welfare of all rabbits is our primary consideration. In line with our mission, we are against the exploitation of rabbits…Domestic rabbits are companion animals and should be afforded at least the same individual rights, level of care, and opportunity for longevity as commonly afforded to dogs and cats who live as human companions.”
Yes, rabbits have a very long history in our culture and they make great pets, but they also need our help. Not all rabbits are safe. Rabbits are used for product testing and medical experimentation, as well as being hunted. It is up to help rabbits live a safe and protected life, and this is why International Rabbit Day is so important.
INTERNATIONAL RABBIT DAY TIMELINE
40 Million Years Ago
The Oldest Record of Rabbit Fossils
Fossil records belonging to the Leporidae family, which include rabbits and hares are discovered.
1950s
Viral Disease
The disease called myxomatosis proves to be lethal to the European rabbit species in Australia.
1972
Wildlife Protection Act
Rabbits in India are under the protection of this Act and hunting them for meat is banned.
1996
Critically Endangered
The Sumatran rabbit of Southeast Asia is classified as an endangered species.
2003
Riverine Rabbit Conservation Programme
Initiative to oversee and delegate conservation efforts of the endangered riverine rabbit.
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5 FLUFFY FUN FACTS ABOUT RABBITS
Rabbits express happiness through acrobatics
Known as the “Binky” moment, happy rabbits tend to jump up high and twist their bodies to perform cute acrobatic performances.
Rabbit ears do more than hear
Bunny ears are not just used for listening, it also regulates their body temperature.
Rabbits can be noisy!
Although they may seem quiet at first glance, rabbits actually can produce a variety of sounds from screeching to growling, and even chattering their teeth.
360-degree vision
Rabbit eyes are positioned in such a way that they can see an almost perfect 360 degrees.
Rabbits have a sweet tooth
Most rabbits love to eat sweet things, especially fruits!
How to celebrate International Rabbit Day
There are a number of different ways that you can celebrate International Rabbit Day. one of the best ways to celebrate this date is by adopting a pet rabbit. There are a lot of animal shelters that give you the ability to do this. Take some time to do a little bit of research about the shelters in your local area. You can email them and ask whether there are any rabbits available for adoption at the moment.
If you are thinking about adding a pet rabbit to the family on International Rabbit Day, it is important to make sure that you are aware of the responsibilities you will have as a rabbit owner. You need to make sure you are in a position to give your rabbit everything that he or she needs to have a happy and healthy life. So, what do rabbits need?
They require a suitable place to live. They also need protection from disease, injury, suffering, and pain. They also require an appropriate company, the ability to behave as they normally would, and a healthy diet, which includes clean and freshwater.
Rabbits love to dig and they need to have enough space to run around. They also enjoy company from their owner, as well as other rabbits. In terms of diet, they enjoy eating a handful of various leafy greens on a daily basis, such as kale and cabbage. They also want to feel safe and they need to have some shade when the sun is shining. They also eat a lot of grass and hay, and it is important that their living area is dry and is protected from the rain and wind.
You can also use this day as an opportunity to learn more about rabbit welfare. When compared with other domestic animals, rabbits have distinct needs, and it is important that we understand and appreciate this. You can use International Rabbit Day to do a bit of research online regarding the sort of environment that rabbits require.
You can also look for different ways that you can help to contribute to rabbit welfare. You can contact your local shelter and make a donation or volunteer some of your time. We are sure that they will greatly appreciate this. You may even decide to put on some sort of event on International Rabbit Day in order to fundraise and raise money for your local animal shelter. From bake sales to fun runs; there are so many different things that you can do to raise money for this cause.
