PHOENIX — Three bunnies from the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) not only found new homes, but are becoming ambassadors for their species at the Phoenix Zoo, the animal rescue agency announced Friday.
The bunnies — Benjamin, Pepper and Lavender — will help shake off community misconceptions of rabbits so people are better educated about their needs.
Once their training is complete, Phoenix Zoo animal keeper Becky Mansel said they will be “the zoo for people that cannot make it to the zoo,” making appearances at schools and libraries. The bunnies are the latest addition to the Phoenix Zoo Animal Ambassadors program, which has the purpose of educating the community on the natural history of animals.
Shelby Brose, senior manager of education and outreach at AHS, said in a press release that people see rabbits as a “starter pet” and tend to forget “care requirements are more comparable to that of a cat or a dog.”
“They definitely require a certain level of care that means you need to give them a lot of time and energy and cleaning and veterinary appointments and careful handling to ensure their safety,” Brose said. “Just like bringing on a Golden Retriever or a Chihuahua or a cat or a goldfish, you really got to do your research before you bring home a pet.”
Specifically in the case of rabbits, prospective owners need to provide ample room for them in designed enclosures. AHS also said rabbits require daily exercise outside of that area and a diet that is made up of the following: “hay, pellets, leafy greens and yes, sometimes carrots as treats.”
AHS summer learning opportunities about bunnies, other pets
If your bunny curiosity lingers past Easter or you want to learn more about animal adoption, AHS has plenty of opportunities to get involved at its summer camps.
Adults can volunteer and sign up their children ages 5-17 for June and/or July camp sessions that exist to “inspire compassion in the next generation of animal lovers through STEAM concepts and animal interactions,” per the AHS website.
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