International Rabbit Day is observed on the fourth Saturday of September to honor rabbits and promote their welfare. This year, it takes place on September 23. Today, we reflect on how rabbits have enriched our lives, whether as pets or as meadow companions.
During this bunny festival, we also attempt to emphasize the difficulties faced by our beloved hutch inhabitants. We’re not referring to the foxes prowling the bushes as they collect carrots; rather, we’re referring to the truly disturbing dangers such as animal testing for cosmetics, hunting, and, of course, fur farming. Rabbits and bunnies are harmless and in need of our protection; therefore, today has been designated as a day to contemplate methods to make their lives more comfortable by creating happy, healthy habitats.
The background of International Rabbit Day
To fully appreciate all that this day has to offer, let’s learn more about rabbit society and the history behind why this day is celebrated, as well as how it has been observed throughout the years.
Microscopic mammals with luxurious fur and bushy tails. They can be found in almost every country on the planet and are similar to other Lagomorpha species such as hares and pikas. In the 20th century, archaeologists discovered fossils that indicate rabbits originated in Asia approximately 40 million years ago. There are various rabbit varieties in Australia, Africa, and other continents.
European wild rabbits are the most prevalent domesticated rabbits. They originated 4,000 years ago in what is now Spain on the Iberian Peninsula. The Romans then began breeding them for their flesh and fur upon their arrival. As civilization advanced, so did commerce, and Europeans introduced the rabbit industry to additional nations. Rabbits adapted regardless of the temperature of the environment and thrived due to their swift reproduction rates.
According to legend, French missionaries domesticated rabbits in the fifth century as a source of ready-made food. Eventually, they began selecting them based on size and color to preserve specific characteristics. Due to selective breeding, there were numerous breeds by the 19th century, which led to their breeding for competitions. Children began to form sentimental attachments to them and people realized how sensitive and frail these creatures were.
Presently, rabbits are a prevalent household pet and one of the most popular indoor animals. Our relationship has genuinely evolved over the years, which is why it is so vital that we treat them with the respect they deserve.
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5 FACTS ABOUT RABBIT DAY YOU DIDN’T KNOW
Contrary to what is depicted in cartoons, rabbits also consume vegetables, weeds, seeds, and berries.
Baby rabbits are referred to as kits or kittens, while adult females are known as does and mature males as bucks.
As early as three months, rabbits can reproduce and give birth to a dozen young at once.
When agitated, rabbits perform a mini somersault known as a ‘binky.’
Well, virtually everything. The visual range of a rabbit is nearly 360 degrees in circumference.
INTERNATIONAL RABBIT DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2022 | September 24 | Saturday |
2023 | September 23 | Saturday |
2024 | September 28 | Saturday |
2025 | September 27 | Saturday |
2026 | September 26 | Saturday |