Abandoned rabbits on Granville Island find new home at The Bunny Café

Pet rabbits abandoned on Granville Island, unfixed, and left to multiply now have a new home at the Bunny Café in Vancouver.

This comes after a massive outcry to the possibility that the rabbits may have to be trapped and euthanized as they were attracting coyotes, posing threats to visitors. While they’re now safe in their sanctuary, the Rabbitats Rescue Society will be looking to find them foster homes.

“They were attracting coyotes to Granville Island, there was talk of culling them and it’s just not fair for the bunnies, they never asked to be placed in that situation,” said Michelle Furbacher, owner of the Bunny Café.

“I think rabbits are a very misunderstood pet. I think people think they’re a lot easier to take care of than they actually are and that means a lot of them end up getting abandoned like these little guys,” said Jane Vurdela, a volunteer at the café.

“I think it is really important — rather than just try to euthanize them — to actually try to help them because it’s our fault that they’re abandoned in the first place.”

The café has been open for around two and a half years. It’s home to around thirty rescued rabbits and is a therapeutic space for visitors to grab a coffee and spend time with these cuddly creatures.

“It’s beautiful here. The bunnies are really nice and relaxed, and it’s really easy to pet them, especially when they’re food-motivated. And they have enough hiding spaces that they don’t feel stressed,” said one visitor.

“We’ve been to cat cafes, we’ve never been to a cat café, that was the exciting part. And they’re all…they’re pretty curious. Very interactive,” another pair of visitors added.

Admission to the Bunny Café includes snack cups of lettuce and herbs so you can feed its inhabitants. All proceeds are split equally with Rabbitats to support their rescue mission.

Those who wish to apply to foster a rabbit can submit an online application, and those who wish to find a mate for their already-owned rabbits can schedule a “speed dating” session to find a furry friend.

“The thing with bunnies is they choose who they want to be paired with. Just like people, they’re not going to necessarily just accept any other bunny, that you decide to adopt,” said Furbacher.