From Abandoned to Adored: The Rescue of Our Forgotten Rabbits

Not Wild, Not Safe: Why Domestic Rabbits Should Never Be Released

When most people picture rabbits, they imagine them bounding through a meadow, free and wild. But the truth is: domestic rabbits are not wild animals—and when people “set them free,” it’s rarely an act of kindness. It’s abandonment.

At Hope and Hooves Rescue & Sanctuary, we’ve seen the heartbreaking consequences firsthand. We’ve rescued several domestic rabbits that had been dumped outdoors, left to fend for themselves in conditions they were never meant to survive.

Here are their stories.

Thumper, Bumper & Peter

This inseparable trio was found at Hawk Rock in Duncannon—thin, disheveled, and clearly unprepared for the wild. They were in ratty condition, likely struggling with cold nights, poor nutrition, and predators in the area.

But since coming into our care, they’ve blossomed into absolute love bugs. They greet us each night excited for their carrots, snuggle close to each other, and even dote on their “adopted” brother Snowball—another rabbit we rescued from an auction.

Thumper, in particular, requires special care. His teeth don’t align properly, so he needs monthly dental trims to stay healthy and comfortable. It’s a reminder of how ill-equipped domestic rabbits are to survive without human care. The three of them are inseparable, and we feel honored to give them the safety and affection they never should’ve had to live without.

From left to right, Bumper, Thumper, Peter, & Snowball

Nana

Nana the night she was rescued

Nana was found cold and wet in the middle of Winter on Lambs Gap Road in Mechanicsburg. She was in better physical condition than most, but emotionally, she was terrified. We believe Nana is a Flemish Giant/Harlequin mix, and she had clearly been someone’s pet before being abandoned.

Out of caution, we kept Nana in quarantine while she adjusted, but when we introduced her to some of our other rescued girls—Peaches and Mango, both former auction rabbits—they bonded beautifully. Now, Nana spends her days lounging with her best friends, soaking up sunshine, and adjusting to her new life.

In a wonderful twist of fate, Nana has recently become a mom to two beautiful babies, Mickey and Minnie. Her transformation from frightened and alone to nurturing and secure is exactly why we do this work.

Nana's babies, Minnie & Mickey

The Danger of “Setting Them Free”

We can’t stress this enough: domestic rabbits cannot survive in the wild.

Unlike their wild cousins, they lack the instincts and physical traits needed to avoid predators, find food, or seek shelter. Releasing them outdoors is not “giving them a chance”—it’s often a death sentence.

Here’s what happens when pet rabbits are dumped:

• They become easy prey for hawks, dogs, coyotes, and other predators.

• They often starve, unable to recognize safe foods or forage properly.

• They face injuries and infections with no protection or care.

• They suffer in extreme temperatures—rabbits can’t tolerate cold and wet for long.

Thumper, Bumper, Peter, and Nana were lucky. Someone saw them, called for help, and we were able to intervene in time. Many others aren’t found until it’s too late

What You Can Do

If you or someone you know can no longer care for a rabbit, please don’t release them outdoors. Reach out to us or to another reputable rescue. There are always better options.

You can also help by:

• Sharing this post to educate others

• Donating to support the ongoing care of rabbits like Thumper, Nana, and Snowball

• Sponsoring one of our rescued animals

Let’s work together to ensure every rabbit has the safety, care, and love they deserve.