Last year, I posted about the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s effort to reintroduce the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit back into their native habitat in Washington.

The program to breed the rabbits will most likely come to an end this year as there are no Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits left in the wild, and the last purebred rabbit died in captivity.  According to Chris Warren, who runs the program, genetically speaking, Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits are now extinct.

In 2010, the US Fish and Wildlife Service will focus on introducing pygmy rabbits from Idaho into the area.

For more information: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420ap_wa_pygmy_rabbits.html

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In the United Kingdom, rabbit owners or potential owners can learn more about responsible rabbit care during Burgess National Rabbit Week, January 24-30, 2009.

The focus of this year’s rabbit week is on fiber. Fiber is essential to rabbits’ health, so be sure your rabbit is getting enough hay! You can check out My House Rabbit’s articles “What to Feed Your House Rabbit” and “A Correct Diet is Vital for Rabbits” for more information on the proper diet for rabbits.

Many vets, retailers, rescues and other rabbit organizations across the UK will be participating in National Rabbit Week offering free checkups, samples, and care information.  Go to the Burgess National Rabbit Week website for more information and to find events in your area.

Professional massage therapist Chandra Moira Beal, the author of The Relaxed Rabbit has created a companion DVD. The DVD explains the benefits of massage for rabbits, including reducing stress and enhancing health, and show how to properly massage your rabbt.

The DVD teaches anatomy and physiology of rabbits to better help their owners understand rabbits and work with them safely. No prior massage experience is necessary as Beal teaches a full range of techniques.

You can watch a preview clip or order the DVD from Beal’s website: http://rabbits.chandrabeal.com/dvd.htm

Be sure to check out the latest additions to the Cute Rabbit Photos page.  We’ve got cute dwarfs, lops, and lionheads, including Hoppy, the little cutie pictured below!

Back in November, I posted about Ethel, the disabled lop-eared rabbit in England who was fitted for a wheelchair.  Here is a video showing Ethel, and owner Zoe.

The Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary in Willis, Michigan is the largest rabbit rescue in the US, housing 550 rabbits. You can read more about the sanctuary in an earlier Rabbit Rescue Spotlight post on our bunny blog or at the Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary website.

I love seeing photos of the place with all the permanent residents hopping around in their fenced-in rabbit pastures.  Here is a recent photo from The Ann Arbor News. Celeste Defellici had called out “TREATS!” and all the bunnies came running.

The Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary is in need of donations – leafy greens or a monetary contribution.  If you would like to help, call 734-461-1726, or visit the website at www.rabbitsanctuary.org.