Rabbit Rescue Calgary

10/25/2022

FOSTER NEEDED - CALGARY, CANADA

These two buns are in need of immediate rescue and quarantine foster placement for a few months.

I had a few separate reports of domestic rabbit sightings a couple weeks ago in an area that previously had 100+ ferals die of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, and just the other day they were spotted again.
How these rabbits managed to survive is beyond me. Not only are they at risk from the elements they now have the potential to continue the cycle over again.

If you can help please comment and then DM me

09/24/2022

Happy International Rabbit Day everyone!

Today I'm taking the day to reflect on all the ferals I was able to rescue over the last two years.

Lucky has been with me for a month now and look at his healing progress!

In the end, being able to rehabilitate and save lives is what makes it so worthwhile ❤️

09/23/2022

International Rabbit Day tomorrow! ❤️

09/08/2022

The window of opportunity for Seton is sadly getting shorter and shorter...

I hate to say it, but tomorrow will be now or never to safely get what healthy remaining rabbits out if at all possible.

Safe Operating Procedures (SOP's) are in place as well as strict quarantine measures for when the rabbits are able to be relocated to their Sanctuary space.

I pray this works, otherwise it will all have been for nothing.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this far, our Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) arrived last night and all supplies are now in hand.

Will update when more comes

09/07/2022

To say the last week and a bit have been hectic is an understatement.

While the path forward is still not certain, I am doing my best to keep pushing ahead and save as many lives as possible.

Right now it's important to consider all the ones in care, not just for me but the other rescues in the city. BIG Thank you to Rabbitats who are supporting us in a time of need. Because of their generosity I was able to get some much needed vaccine sent to Calgary.

For now I will continue to push education and advocacy about Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease until I know further.

Please keep your indoor buns safe and protected.

Thank you again for the continued support

09/07/2022

https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/lethal-rabbit-disease-strongly-suspected-to-be-killing-feral-bunnies-in-calgary-communities?fbclid=IwAR2I5dRw5jwmOtkaj3H1MmYWWN40Ra_0FbTb5z3NWrXjW-FszXR0NibCNfE

Concern is growing that the lethal rabbit hemorrhagic disease, known to wipe out rabbit populations, is spreading in the city.

09/06/2022

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=416436863913547&id=100066417109371&sfnsn=mo&extid=a

Carcasses are still being tested to confirm the cause of death, but the leading theory among Calgary veterinarians seems to point to rabbit hemorrhagic disease.

09/05/2022

All the info you need to know about RHDV2. Please take some time to watch and inform yourself.

09/04/2022

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ordered!

This was all possible because of Lucky's fundraiser (partner Lara told me to use the remaining on this).

Big thank you to Laryssa and her mom for donating two humane traps as well!

Let's hope this pays off and more lives can be spared ❤️

09/04/2022

Info regarding Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease. Please share and get the word out. There are far too many who aren't up to date on knowledge. This will help to save lives!

Info courtesy of House Rabbit Society

09/04/2022

Lucky has passed his 14 day quarantine!

Once again, thank you to everyone who donated towards his vet bills. We were able to reach our goal of $500!

Unfortunately now with the recent news of RHDV-2 possibly spreading in Calgary it is unclear what our next steps will be. If the virus has made it's way to the Seton business plaza colony, we will not be able to begin trapping there as initially planned.

There are still many ferals on the other side of the community who have not shown any symptoms or suspicious deaths, so that might be one alternative. If those rabbits can be saved it will not only save them from a gruesome death, but help to stop the spread around the community.

My rescue partner Lara, has told me to use the remaining funds of Lucky's fundraiser to begin stocking up on supplies and PPE.

If the window of opportunity arises, it may be a short period of time that we are able to get the rabbits relocated to a sanctuary type environment.

At the end of the day, we need to consider what is most important which means taking into consideration the dangers of bringing it into the house.

We pray that more lives can be saved, but it needs to be done in the safest way possible.

Thank you again for your support

09/02/2022

We are still waiting for the results on the necropsies of the deceased rabbits from the Manchester Industrial area. We would like to address some of the rumours we have heard surrounding these deaths.

The City of Calgary does not poison feral animals. Not only would that be cruel to do but it would be a huge liability for them if the poison came into contact with pets or people. Dead animals are collected by the Calgary Humane Society and Fish and Wildlife. We encourage people to call 311 if they have questions.

There is a risk that the virus could be found in the grass or other plant material in the affected areas so we advise people to not feed their rabbits materials from their yards. This virus can spread via insects, birds, and even in the air so surrounding communities could be at risk too. Ultimately, it is about what level of risk each of us is comfortable with.

We hope to get some answers soon. In the meantime, we hope all bunnies stay safe. ❤️🐰❤️

09/01/2022

Lucky wants to take a moment to thank everyone who has contributed to his vet bills!

This guy is truly 'lucky' that he was able to be pulled from Seton business plaza before the latest news that RHD is likely spreading through one of Calgary's biggest feral colonies.

We have raised $390 out of $760 for Lucky's bills. Today will be the last day of the fundraiser and we are hoping to get some last minute donations to help out. $5-10 can go a long ways especially if those donations can be made by multiple supporters. https://gofund.me/bf876f2c

At this point in time, I am unsure of my next steps with the Seton Business Plaza Project. Currently weighing some options but hoping that an opportunity to get as many out of the area before it's too late is my top priority.

Time to save as many rabbits as possible before this situation gets too far out of hand.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far,
Kyle

08/31/2022

This is heartbreaking 💔

ATTENTION CALGARY RABBIT OWNERS:

*Potential RHD cases in Manchester Industrial Area Feral Rabbit Population, **Not Confirmed Via Testing, But Suspicious***

We got a text from a lady who knows us from a long time ago. She said there are a large number of dead rabbits on their yard and in this general area.

Police were there today, she is contacting fish and wildlife and they are hoping to get them tested.

She said they witnessed a rabbit dying, they saw it puking blood then urinate, then died right in front of them.

This is near the MacLeod McDonald's (Manchester area).

Anyone who knows about this colony knows that there are hundreds of rabbits that span Manchester Industrial, reaching across MacLeod Trail to Erlton, the Talisman Center and in to Downtown, with many vehicles entering and leaving the area, foot traffic and the very commonly used Ctrain in the area. If this is RHD, this has potential for very serious spread.

Please be safe and protect your rabbits! Avoid this area and areas known for ferals! If you must be around them, then when coming home to your rabbits, disinfect your shoes (we use a Virkon Foot Bath), change your clothes and wash your hands immediately before interacting with your rabbit.

And most importantly, get your rabbits vaccinated.

08/31/2022

Lucky is surely enjoying indoor house rabbit life versus where he was a little over a week ago ❤️

And who says feral rabbits don't stand a chance indoors ❤️

08/28/2022

Rabbit Rescue Calgary is getting closer to the beginning phase of trapping the first colony of rabbits in Seton, however we are in need of some supplies in order to do it safely and effectively.

Here is an Amazon Wishlist of the much needed items. We will accept used items as well as long as they are in working condition.

Wishlist can be viewed here: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/3WBOLZ6YND9E?ref_=wl_share

We will also need 3-4' lengths of rebar to steak the mesh fencing into the ground, as well as shorter "U" shaped pieces of rebar or similar metal material (to prevent them from getting underneath the fencing).

If you know of any construction companies who may be disposing of these materials and want to save some "garbage costs", please let us know.

08/28/2022

Lucky is doing extremely well! He only has to wear his cone for another day and will be free at last.

I am very impressed with how fast he transitioned into house rabbit life. He is using the litterbox to go p*e (and some poops), and is not startled when I enter into his area. He sure enjoys head rubs!

His infection seems to be going down every day, and will be on some medication for a little while yet to ensure it goes away.

We have raised $365 so far to cover both of his vet bills (Total of $760.03), but as you can see we are little over half way and need to continue pushing to cover as much as possible.

Donating as little as $5 can add up if others can do the same. No amount is too small. We truly appreciate all the support the community has shown so far

08/25/2022

Lucky had his neuter and eyelid surgery yesterday and has been recovering at Lara's place!

Poor guy has to wear a cone while his eyelid heals, but at least he is on his way to recovery now.

Yesterday's invoice (picture in comments) came in at $636.17 and with his initial vet appointment is now totaling $760.03. So far we have raised $335, but need to continue pushing for more donations until the target is reached.

Times are tough for everyone right now, but even a $2-10 donation can add up and make a difference. We can't do this without the love and support of the community, and once again THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed so far.

GFM: https://gofund.me/bf876f2c

Much Love,
Kyle

08/24/2022

Even feral bunnies enjoy homemade treats from Happy House Bunnies!

Less than an hour to go and Lucky will be on his way to Sanctuary Veterinary Hospital so he can get his eyelid fixed and get neutered.

It's really amazing to see the support from the community so far! We have raised $310 for Lucky's vet bills ($123.90 for yesterday's bill COVERED!), but with tomorrow's surgery we still need to keep pushing and try to cover everything.

Hopefully will have a draft invoice or quote for tomorrow's appointment that I can share later tonight.

GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/0a2616e5

Much Love ❤️

08/23/2022

Rescue Update:

Lucky is sure getting used to indoor life and humans!

Big THANK YOU to everyone who has donated so far to his vet bills. With the current donations we are able to clear yesterday's bill and can now look at his one for tomorrow which will include suturing the eyelid and neuter.

Hopefully will be able to post a draft invoice later tonight once I drop him off at Sanctuary Veterinary Hospital.

Donate to Lucky's vet bills here GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/0a2616e5

08/23/2022

Rescue Update:

We are home from Sanctuary Veterinary Hospital and the bunny (now named Lucky) will go back for eyelid sutures and neuter on Thursday morning.

Thank you to the busy staff who were able to get him in today while busy dealing with many surgeries! Lucky is on pain meds and antibiotics, and has a nasty infection to fight (no wonder why I'm smelling horrible things from him), but at least he should be able to keep his eye.

For everyone who has donated so far, THANK YOU! With the added neuter I'm going to have to keep pushing for donations, and will share updates on the invoice when possible.

Today's invoice is shown in the post ($123.90), and if you would like to contribute to the rest of his vet bills please donate on the GFM: GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/0a2616e5

Thank you everyone for the continued support ❤️

08/22/2022

Rescue Story #2 - August 21, 2022

Yesterday morning I was contacted by a fellow rescuer about a feral rabbit near my place that appeared to be in very poor condition. Unfortunately I wasn't able to help as I was at work and did not have the option to leave like I have in the past. They ended up going to get it and also spotted this one that had a really bad swollen shut eye.

Fast forward to late afternoon when I stopped by to dispose of some deceased ones and offer some donated food. If I hadn't chose to randomly offer some ones that were aways from the initial offerings I would never have come across this one.

Bunny was caught pretty easily. Apart from the injured eye there are some wounds on its lower back and sides, which makes me to believe it may have been attacked by a hawk or another bird.

I'm going to need to start a GoFundMe to help cover these medical costs. Everything in relation to my pilot project with the Seton business plaza colonies is still in the planning phase, and now with this emergency rescue we need to cover the vet bill before moving forward.

Bunny will see the vet this afternoon and once an invoice is avaiable it will be shared.

We can't do this without the support of the community

This morning Sunday August 21, 2022 I was contacted by a fellow rescuer a… Kyle Nernberg needs your support for Emergency Rescue Bunny - Seton Business Plaza

08/22/2022

Rescue Story #1

We haven't started trapping yet, but the rescuing has already begun..

August 09, 2022

This poor thing was found by my rescue partner on the shoulder of a busy road. The one on the left is the busiest freeway that runs through my city.
I did not think this was going to end well, but I'm sure glad it wasn't the case.
This little one is 100% a feral, but thankfully my rescue partner is bringing it home with her.

Update - August 22, 2022

Little baby is doing extremely well while in care with the rescue partner. Has been eating lots and starting to grow!

08/21/2022

We are need of supplies to be able to safely trap the rabbits.

This Amazon Wishlist has been set up so items can be bought and donated right to the rescue.

If you know where to find these items second hand and are in good condition, we will accept them as well!

https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/3WBOLZ6YND9E?ref_=wl_share

08/14/2022

My name is Kyle Nernberg and I have created this page with the purpose of sharing updates about the feral rabbit issue in Calgary, Canada and my intended pilot project with the Seton colonies.

I will also post frequent updates with any fundraising/donations as I am not a registered non-profit (yet), but want to remain as transparent as possible.

None of this will be possible without the support of the community, so it is all very much appreciated

08/13/2022