Hop into Easter with bunny tales and tips

Soft green shoots poke through the thawing earth, and bursts of pink and white blossoms brighten the trees. Spring is in the air — and at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary’s Bunny House, it’s also in full bounce with the arrival of a dozen baby bunnies. They came from a nearby shelter with their mother, Tauntaun, when they were just a few days old — tiny, hairless, and helpless.

Tauntaun proved to be a phenomenal mom, and with a little backup from the Bunny House team, all 12 babies are now hopping, bouncing, and climbing on their ever-patient mother like a furry jungle gym. And don’t even get us started on the cuddle puddles — 12 tiny buns snoozing in a fluffy, heart-melting heap. Beyond cute.

[5 bunny stories for a hoppy Easter]

But as cute as they are, bunnies aren’t as easy to care for as they might seem. With Easter around the corner, the Easter Bunny is everywhere, but for real rabbits, this time of year can be anything but magical. Many are bought as holiday gifts, only to find themselves without a home soon after.

So if you’re thinking about adding a fluffy friend to your life, it’s important to know what you’re hopping into. A little preparation goes a long way in helping them thrive — and maybe even form their own cuddle puddle in your home.

“Rabbits are adorable and charming, but they’re not low-maintenance pets,” says Amy Brown, supervisor at the Bunny House. “They need as much care and attention as a dog or cat.”

Rabbits can also live as long as cats and dogs do, which means their care needs will change as they age. These fluffy friends thrive in calm environments, prefer to keep all four paws on the ground, and require plenty of space to roam and explore safely. Being picked up can feel like a predator attack, so handling should always be gentle and respectful.

Their living quarters need to be roomy and thoroughly bunny-proofed — because given the chance, these little nibblers will happily chew through cords, carpets, or anything else within reach. And forget the cartoon diet: Rabbits need more than carrots and lettuce. A healthy rabbit diet includes hay, fresh veggies and fruit, and a few pellets.

[Welcome to Bunny House at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary]

But here’s the fun part: Bunnies can learn to use a litter box. They purr when they’re content. And when they’re especially happy, they’ll leap and twist mid-air in a move called a “binkie.”

Thinking of adopting one (or two) of these fantastically fluffy companions? These seven fun facts about bunnies are a great place to start. For those who’ve done their homework and feel ready to welcome a rabbit into their family, adoption from a shelter or rescue group is a great option. “Adopted rabbits are more likely to be spayed or neutered, and shelters can offer advice and support if you need help,” Amy adds.

If you’re just looking for a dose of long-eared cuteness this Easter, impulse purchases of rabbits can be a real problem for bunnies. According to the House Rabbit Society, "Alternatives to live animals — such as plush bunnies, chocolate bunnies, or movies and books about bunnies — make great gift choices and come with no additional obligations or responsibilities."

These days, Marilyn Bunroe is hopping through life like the superstar she was born to be — all on three legs. In fact, she runs faster than most of the other bunnies at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary’s Bunny House. But she didn’t always have such a spring in her step.

An animal rescue group in Salt Lake City found this gorgeous, domesticated rabbit in a city park, alone and unable to put any weight on one of her front legs. She needed help — and fast. And that’s just what she would get at the Sanctuary. The Bunny House team hopped into action and organized a ride for Marilyn from Salt Lake City to the Sanctuary.

Best Friends veterinarians confirmed Marilyn’s front leg was broken and unfortunately had to be amputated. Surgery was her best chance, and she pulled through like a champ — even while fighting off a tough infection. With daily meds and round-the-clock care, Marilyn healed fast and full of sass. "She’s a spunky little fighter,” says caregiver Stephanie Vosburgh.

Even after surgery, she never stopped eating or exploring, defying expectations with her plucky spirit. She sprints around the play yard at top speed, digs epic holes, and turns bedtime into a playful game of “catch me if you can.”

That spark — and speed — caught the eye of a loving family, and now Marilyn’s living the “bun-derful” life she deserves, adored and adored some more.

For most bunnies, life is better with a buddy — someone to cuddle, groom, and snack on greens with. So when senior rabbits Hope and Torvi each lost their longtime companions just weeks apart, Bunny House caregivers grew concerned. Both were already shy, and without their partners, they became even more withdrawn.

Hope, who has a chronic respiratory condition, arrived scared and solo before falling head-over-heels for a tall, dark, and handsome bunny named Prince. OK, he wasn’t tall, but he was dark and handsome. And very charming. Their sweet bond gave her confidence — until Prince passed away suddenly, leaving her heartbroken.

Meanwhile, Torvi and her sister Siggy arrived at the Sanctuary from overcrowded conditions and were initially terrified of people. And Torvi, who has a heart murmur, became even more withdrawn after Siggy suddenly passed away just a few weeks after Prince.

Because of their advanced years and special medical needs, there was debate about whether it would be better for them to remain solo, so any future partners wouldn’t go through losing them. But when Torvi and Hope met, something clicked. They began grooming each other right away — a surefire sign of bunny affection — and they’ve been inseparable ever since.

Now, they cuddle constantly, play copycat with each other’s goofy habits (lettuce-stealing included), and are more open with their human friends than ever before. Hope even comes running for her meds — Torvi close behind, just in case there’s a treat involved. They devour flowers together and are always looking for more treats and attention. It just goes to show how much hope a new friend can provide.

Meet Millie, a bunny so big you might mistake her for a small dog. She tips the scales at around 13 pounds — though her breed, called the continental giant, can reach an impressive 30 pounds. With her very long ears and body that seems to stretch on forever, Millie turns heads wherever she hops.

Millie came to the Sanctuary when her foster family in Houston could no longer meet her special needs. She has a unique health condition — a shortened bowel — that means she needs extra grooming, a carefully tailored diet, and plenty of playtime. With her sweet nature and larger-than-life charm, she quickly won over everyone she met at the Sanctuary. Her caregivers would wheel her outdoors in her favorite stroller, so she could enjoy exercise and nibble on fresh grass.

Now happily adopted, Millie is thriving in a home where she’s loved just as she is — big ears, big hops, and all.

Meet Spencer. He wears pants. Yes, you read that right: pants. Low-riders, to be specific. His stylish threads are custom-made (he was born with them), and they fit perfectly around his fuzzy little bum.

In addition to possessing unique bottom-wear, Spencer can be a furry enigma. While his default setting often leans toward the grumpy end, he loves giving kisses (and getting treats, of course). “Kiss-kiss,” as it’s affectionately known, is a charming skill that Amy Brown, supervisor at the Bunny House, taught him during a socialization session.

“We were using treats to get our bunnies more socialized,” says Amy. “I kept giving Spencer treats, then kissing him afterward. Eventually, I just put the treat in my mouth to see what would happen, and he ever so gently took it out of my mouth. He does it with caregivers, volunteers, and visitors. He doesn’t discriminate.”

Yup, for a grouch, Spencer is also a bit of a lover. But no matter his mood, he sure rocks those bunny pants.

If you’re feeling ready for a bunny buddy, have a look at bunnies who are available to adopt or foster from Best Friends or a shelter or rescue group near you.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.