RABBITS

THE SANCTUARY RABBITS

Rabbits are often misunderstood, but they are sensitive, social creatures who require careful, specific care. At the sanctuary, we provide this for our 10 rescued rabbits, ensuring they live in a safe, enriching environment where they can express their natural behaviours and enjoy companionship.

Providing an appropriate diet is a vital part of rabbit care. Our outdoor rabbits have access to grass, and are given hay, pellets, and a variety of fresh greens. They also have plenty of space to hop and explore, areas to hide, dirt to dig in, and the company of a rabbit friend.

Specific Considerations for Rabbits

Many pet rabbits are not given the quality of life they need to be happy and healthy. Small hutches are unsuitable as they do not allow for the vital exercise and stimulation that rabbits require. Many are also kept alone, though bunnies are often happiest when housed as a bonded pair. Rabbits also need careful monitoring for gastrointestinal stasis and flystrike in the summer—conditions that are fast-acting and potentially deadly.

Many people take rabbits into their care without understanding the specifics of what is required. Veterinary care can also be costly, and having a rabbit-knowledgeable vet is essential. We have taken our bunnies to specialist vets at Massey University and in Wellington for serious issues. When people realise how challenging proper rabbit care can be, some sadly abandon their rabbits outdoors, where they are not equipped to survive.

Adopt, Don’t Shop!

Rabbits can certainly make wonderful, loving companion animals. If you are considering bringing a rabbit into your care, we encourage you to research thoroughly first. We also strongly advise adopting a rabbit from a shelter or rescue as they are consistently in need of loving homes. Choosing adoption helps put an end to the needless captive breeding of rabbits.

The Fate of Wild Rabbits

Wild rabbits in Aotearoa have an incredibly difficult life. They are often killed at a young age whether they are eaten by predators, hit by cars, shot, or made fatally ill by the deadly calicivirus. Nine of our rabbits at our sanctuary are rescued wild rabbits. It is heartwarming to watch them grow to 8+ years old, instead of the average 2 year lifespan they would otherwise have in the wild.

Introducing Ellis & Ember – Best Bunny Friends

Ellis and Ember are inseparable companions at the Black Sheep Animal Sanctuary. Ellis arrived as a tiny day-old pup in August 2024, and Ember joined a few months later in January 2025 when he was around three weeks old.

After being desexed and vaccinated, we carefully bonded them together—a process that can sometimes be tricky with rabbits. Luckily, they quickly formed a strong attachment and have been happily living side by side in our enclosed bunny paddock ever since.

If you’d like to support Ellis and Ember on their ongoing journey, you can sponsor them with a small monthly contribution. Your support helps provide hay, pellets, veterinary care, and annual vaccinations—ensuring these sweet, playful bunnies continue to enjoy a happy, healthy life together.

How to help miniature horses

Sponsor a miniature horse at the sanctuary

Sponsor an individual bunny at the Black Sheep Animal Sanctuary

Sponsor a colony of Rabbits at the Black Sheep Animal Sanctuary

Make a general donation towards care for our Bunnies. Just $10 buys lots of pellets!

Subscribe to our mailing list to find out about working bees where you can meet the Sanctuary Rabbits.

If you don't live in the lower North Island, please get in touch so we can let you know about other sanctuaries who rescue Rabbits.