Flemish Giant Rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus
Flemish giant rabbits are just one of about forty different breeds of Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus, the ancestor of all domestic rabbits. These rabbits are native to Europe but can be found domesticated all around the globe. The Flemish giant rabbit earns its name for its size and can be up to two and a half feet long and can weigh up to fifteen pounds. They were once bred for their size and were used for consumption and fur, but today they are more commonly found as pets. They are typically a light grayish color but can also be black, blueish, sandy, or white color. Rabbits are considered lagomorphs and not rodents; a major difference is their teeth.
Click HERE for a Flemish Rabbit Activity Sheet!
Our Current Residents
Walter, Male – Born in 2019/2020 (estimated and celebrated)
Walter came to ZooMontana in 2020 and lives at the barn with our other rabbit Charlotte. Walter can often be found grazing the grass in his habitat or taking a midafternoon snooze in his hutch.
You can get to know Walter better and meet him in person through our programs scheduled through the Education Department!
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Lagomorpha
- Family: Leporidae
- Genus: Oryctolagus
- Species: Oryctolagus cuniculus ssp. domesticus
Animal Facts
Herbivore: mainly eat grains and grasses
Population Status: currently listed as Near Threatened
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)
