
DOMESTIC RABBIT
Oryctolagus cuniculus
There is not much known about the history of why or how rabbits became domesticated. The crazy story that people once believed was proven to be a myth and the more scientists look for answers the more questions they get. What is known about rabbits is, that all domestic rabbits came from the species Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus that lived in southern France and or northern Spain. It is also known that rabbits are not rodents but belong to their group called lagomorphs and the main difference between the two groups has to do with their skeletal makeup, mainly their teeth, and their digestive systems. Rabbits have their unique look to them which includes having long ears that help with hearing, but also thermoregulating, long hind legs to help them with running and jumping, and large teeth to help them break down vegetation. In the wild, many rabbits are either brown or white to help with camouflaging into their environment, but domestic rabbits can come in many different colors and patterns as this is likely to do with breeding and the pet demand over time.
OUR CURRENT RESIDENT
Charlotte, Female- Born in the Spring of 2024 (estimated and celebrated)
Charlotte is the black rabbit that resides with Walter, our giant Flemish rabbit, over in Barn. Charlotte was born here on the zoo grounds and has developed quite a personality and can be a bit of a rascal sometimes.
TAXONOMY
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Lagomorpha
- Family: Leporidae
- Genius: Oryctolagus
- Species: Oryctolagus cuniculus
ANIMAL FACTS
Herbivore: mainly eat grains and grasses
Population Status: currently listed as Not Endangered
Habitat: dry areas near sea level with soft, sandy soil easy for burrowing
Activity: diurnal (or crepuscular)- mostly active during the day (or dusk and dawn)