When is International Rabbit Day?
When is International Rabbit Day? International Rabbit Day is on the fourth Saturday or Sunday of September. The founder of Rabbit Day was the rabbit charity in the UK in the year 1998. We celebrate this day yearly, aiming to observe, care for, and protect both domestic and wild rabbits.
The goal is to ensure that unprotected and abandoned rabbits are taken care of and find permanent shelter. International Rabbit Day is also known as Bunny Day.
The History of International Rabbit Day
Rabbits belong to the Leporidae family; Leporidae is the family of rabbits and hares. The first documentary about this species’ fossils was done 40 million years ago. There are 28 species, and the European rabbit is the most known.
These species were first found in the Iberian Peninsula and northwestern Africa and later in western Europe 2,000 years ago.
In the early 1950s, a viral disease, myxomatosis, was proved to cause damage to European rabbits. This disease killed 99% of the rabbit population in Australia. The remaining rabbits were able to develop a strong immunity by the time other viral disorders came.
The number of rabbits has been declining in recent years; this has a larger impact on the interaction between the organism and the environment; rabbits are vital prey to other animals. The IUCN declared species of rabbits found in south Asia to be at high risk of extinction in the wild. Only two sighting species have been there in the 21st century.
Charity and welfare bodies have programs and initiatives to protect and take care of rabbits. The first program to be established was the riverine rabbit program in 2003. This program aimed to coordinate and oversee the conservation of endangered riverine rabbits and their habitat.
The Leporidae family receives protection under the wildlife protection act 1972. The first International Bunny Day was in 1998, and the charity rabbit founded it in the UK; it has always been a significant day for rabbits.
This day is usually for spreading awareness about rabbit protection and celebrating the rabbits. Rabbits’ Day falls on September 24 this year.
What is the Difference Between a Rabbit and a Bunny
A bunny and a rabbit are the same; there is no difference between them. The only big difference between a rabbit and a bunny is that a bunny is a young rabbit, while a rabbit is an adult. Kids learn the word bunny before rabbit.
A Comparison Table Between a Rabbit and a Bunny
| Bunny | Rabbit | |
| Kingdom | Animalia | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata | Chordata |
| Genus | Pentalagus, Bunolagus, Nesolagus, Romerolagus, Brachylagus, Sylvilagus, Oryctolagus, Poelagus | Pentalagus, Bunolagus, Nesolagus, Romerolagus, Brachylagus, Sylvilagus, Oryctolagus, Poelagus |
| Family | Leporidae (in part) | Leporidae (in part) |
| Order | Lagomorpha | Lagomorpha |
Ideas to Celebrate
There are different ways you can celebrate Rabbit Day on September 24 this year.
Adopt a new family member
Many animal shelters can help you adopt a pet rabbit. If you are thinking of adding a new member to your family, you should research and know the responsibilities of taking care of a pet rabbit. You ensure you are in a position to care for and provide for the rabbit or a bunny. Rabbits need:
- A comfortable habitat: The place they live in should be away from wind or rain. They also need shade when the sun is shining.
- A healthy diet: Rabbits enjoy eating leafy greens such as cabbages and kale. They can also feed on grass or hay and should drink clean and fresh water.
- Care and protection from diseases or any pain: They should feel they are taken care of and protected.
- Great company: Rabbits want to enjoy their owner’s and other rabbits’ company if any.
Contribute to Rabbit Welfare
You can celebrate this day by donating or even volunteering some time to help in taking care of the rabbits in your local or nearby welfare. You can also organize a fundraiser or set up an event to support interest. You can do many activities to help raise money to support this welfare.
Read and Learn About Rabbits
We must learn about caring for and providing for wild and domestic rabbits. Domestic rabbits have more distinct needs compared to other domestic animals. On this day, you can also take an opportunity and search for the kind of environment suitable for rabbits. Rabbits love digging and running around, and they need enough space.
Interesting Facts About Rabbits
Rabbits are the most misunderstood pets, and there are facts you need to know about them.
They can Live for 12 Years
Rabbits are mostly estimated to have a lifespan of 5 years. However, they can have a lifespan of 12 years maximum. The small breeds can live longer than their larger cousins. Well taken care of rabbits with a good environment and company can live 7 to 10 years. This low lifespan estimation is brought about by not understanding their needs.
They are Social Creatures
Rabbits need company; they are very friendly. A pair of rabbits give each other companionship and warmth and groom each other in parts of their body they can’t reach themselves. Rabbits that live together tend to live longer.
Rabbits’ Teeth Never Stop Growing
The rabbits’ teeth continue to grow throughout their lives. It is mostly advisable to feed them hay and grass; it helps wear down their teeth to normal size and prevent them from becoming too long.
Rabbits that don’t eat hay or grass can develop dental diseases; this can also cause overgrown teeth and painful spurs, preventing them from eating.
They Express Their Happiness Through Binkies
When rabbits are happy, they express their feelings through binkies. They jump and twist their body in the opposite direction, standing or running; this is the language they use to tell you they are happy.
Rabbits Have Multi-Functional Ears
Rabbits have large ears that are 3.94in (10cm), and their hearing ability is less than a second. The shape of their ears is unique, and they can rotate them to 180 degrees; they can pinpoint the exact location of the sound.
Rabbits also use their ears to regulate temperature; they do not pant to keep themselves cool during hot seasons. Instead, they use their ears to radiate warmth or heat.
Rabbits’ Eyes are on the Side of Their Head
Rabbits have 360-degree vision; they can see all around them. Bunnies can be able to see predators while still carrying out their business. It is difficult to sneak on a rabbit.
Rabbits are Very Fast
The speed of a rabbit is about 18mph (28.97kmh) . They can jump 3 to 4ft (0.9 to 1.2m) high and 9ft (2.7m) horizontally in one leap. It is hard to catch a rabbit when it is running.
Rabbits are Born Blind
Rabbits’ eyes remain shut 2 to 3 weeks after birth; this allows them to develop further outside their mother. During this time, mother rabbits hide their kittens in a nest and take care of them; in most cases, kittens are the target of predators. It would be best if you do not force kittens to open their eyes; this can cause damage, such as blindness.
They are Less Obvious When Worried
When rabbits are worried or anxious, their body language tends to be subtle. You will notice they clench their body position when looking at them.
Rabbits Have a Sweet Tooth
Rabbits like sweet things occasionally; you should feed them fruits such as bananas.
Rabbits are Baby Makers
Rabbits are effective baby makers; a mother rabbit can be pregnant between 21 to 30 days and give birth to more than ten kittens.
Globally 15% of kittens do not survive long after birth.
Rabbits Need Exercise
Rabbits to exercise; jump, dig, run, stand up, or stretch, indoor or outdoor. Rabbits that have insufficient space may have broken bones, and this is because of limited space for body buildup. They should have a home that is big enough.
Reasons to Love International Rabbit Day
Rabbits are Social Animals
Rabbits love company and attention, just like humans. They love us as we love them. When they are happy, they will express their happiness through binkies. They are incredibly social and love good companions.
Rabbits Need Protection
International Rabbit Day is for taking care of the rabbits and protecting them. This day reminds us that we must appreciate rabbits’ value and contribution to our lives. Rabbits are prone to diseases if they are left unprotected.
Rabbits are Cute
Rabbits are full of love, with fluffy coats that make them aggressively cute.
Rabbits Need Help
If you love rabbits, you can celebrate this day by stopping rabbit hunting or companies that use rabbits in animal testing.
FAQs on Rabbits
Is International Rabbit Day a Real Holiday?
International Rabbit Day is a day for celebrating rabbits. We may not get an off at school or the workplace, but you can take that opportunity to donate to the shelter.
What is The Exercise Requirement for a Rabbit?
For a bunny to be healthy, it should exercise for more than 3 hours a day. Rabbits exercise by jumping and running around, hoping, nibbling grass, and burrowing. Rabbits should be kept in a spacious place to carry out these activities.
How Many Rabbits are There in the World?
There are different species of rabbits worldwide, and there are approximately 709 million worldwide. It is challenging to have the exact number of wild rabbits worldwide.
What Should I Feed My Rabbit?
Rabbits’ diet food should be quality hay; the hay’s fiber helps them tear down their continually growing teeth. Grass also helps rabbits keep their digestive system running smoothly.
Rabbits can also feed on grass, fresh leafy greens, and vegetables for vitamins and minerals. Once in a while, you can also give them fruits such as bananas and carrots for sugar.
A poor rabbit diet can cause health issues such as obesity, dental diseases, sticky bottom, or even sore hocks. Keep your rabbits healthy.
Can I Keep Two Rabbits or More Together?
Rabbits can stay together as long as you introduce them correctly. It is more natural to pair males and females, but they can still live happily male and male, or female and female. Female rabbits are the homemakers, and the male rabbits protect them from other animals that may be invading.
The only time the rabbits can fight is when the rabbit reaches sexual maturity, the male rabbit may start fights, and the relationship may end.
Can I Keep Rabbits Indoor?Â
Rabbits can be kept indoors, in a rabbit house or a cage. They are not destructive pets like cats and dogs; they are easy to litter train.
Why is My Rabbit Aggressive?
Female rabbits protect their territories, especially their litter tray or sleeping area. It is advisable to clean when the rabbit is not looking. Rabbits can also show aggression when in fear, maybe they had a bad experience in the past, or when they pant. Always be patient and gentle with your rabbit.
Why is My Rabbit Grinding its Teeth?
When you strike your rabbit, it may softly grind its teeth, this indicates contentment, but when it has overgrown teeth or is in pain, it may chew loudly.
Happy International Rabbit Day!
We celebrate International Rabbit Day or Bunny Day every fourth Saturday or Sunday of September. This year’s Bunny Day falls on Saturday, September 24; we dedicate this day to all rabbits or bunnies. On International Rabbit Day, we are supposed to celebrate, take care and protect the bunnies.
Rabbits should feed on grass, hay, green leaves, or vegetables and drink clean and fresh water. Carrots are not part of bunnies’ diet, and they may have upset stomachs if they overeat.
On this day, we should offer our companions and also consider the rabbits that go through medical and cosmetics testing and hunters, not all rabbits are safe, and they need our help. Every week rabbits’ teeth grow at a rate of 0.12in (3mm).
This day is essential; it promotes the welfare of rabbits and encourages people to create a good and favorable environment for their pet rabbits. Pet rabbits are the most intelligent pets; if you use a positive way of training them, they will respond to your command.
There are charities and welfare bodies that take care and protect rabbits, and if you want to have a Happy Bunny Day, you can celebrate with them by giving donations, reading and learning more about them, or adopting a rabbit.
A male rabbit is called a duck, a female rabbit is a doe, and a young rabbit is a kitten. You can eat rabbits or keep them as pets. Read our article and find out all about National Iguana Awareness Day.
