In Odense ZOO, we have Dutch rabbits, and despite its name, the rabbit doesn’t actually come from the Netherlands. It was developed as a breed in 19th-century Britain. One of its most recognizable features is the distinct color pattern that sets it apart from other rabbit breeds.
Rabbits are highly social animals. In the wild, they live in large colonies with up to several hundred individuals. They dig burrows and tunnels underground, where females give birth and care for their young. When a rabbit feels threatened, it thumps its hind legs on the ground — a warning signal to the group to retreat to safety below.
While rabbits today are held as pets in many parts of the world, the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) originates from the Iberian Peninsula. It's considered endangered by IUCN.
