Ōtautahi Animal Refuge and Education Trust Ltd - OAR, a charitable organization creating awareness and change for abused and neglected domestic pets.
You can help by donating, adopting, fostering, or sharing our info. For even one it can mean everything. RABBITS
Ōtautahi Animal Refuge (OAR) only adopt our rescues out to the most loving forever homes, therefore our rabbits are conditioned to live indoors*, alongside you and your family, much like your cat and dog**
If you are interested in adopting from OAR, please message us and we will send
you an Adoption Application. If you are interested in a particular rabbit please organise with us to see them. Please contact us for an update on available rabbits for adoption. Please note that this page is run by volunteers, and while we try our best we all have commitments outside of this. If you wish to surrender a rabbit to us, please note that there maybe a wait time before we can take them. You can speed this wait time up if you have your pet desex and vaccinated before surrendering them. We are always in need of donations. Though we appreciate anything you can give, we prefer you to give a smaller sustainable amount, over a long time, so that we can create long term lasting change in these animals lives. If you have items to donate, please see our list of much needed items.
*We train our rabbits with litter trays, but do expect some territorial messing when you initially have them becoming comfortable in your home, this should stop fairly quickly, if you find it becoming a problem, please contact us.
**Unfortunately in some cases the family dog maybe not be suitable to live alongside a rabbit, this may be due to a high prey drive. If you would like some help introducing your new bun to your existing pets, just let us know.
29/11/2024
LAST CHANCE TO MEET LAMBCHOPS:
Domestic rabbits are breed to be how we want them, not what's best for them, Lambchops is an extreme example of the abuse of this breeding. Lamb has fought all odds to live his best life, learning agility and affection-from both humans and his two bonded partners, he makes the most of everything.
"it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years"
Unfortunately, our mascot Lil' Lamb has came to a challenge he can not win, due to his breeding Lamb has limited time with us, so due to his love of public events, we are allowing him to make his last public appearance, tomorrow evening at the Vegan Market*.
Please take this chance to appreciate a soul who loves life more than most, and support the work OAR, and our amazing vets do, to give beautiful beings, like Lambchops, a life filled with love.
*Saturday 30th Nov 2024, from 5-8pm, 39 Nursery Road
26/10/2024
Anastasia is ready to meet people at the night market! On now, 39 Nursery Road 5-8pm tonight. See you there! 🐰🐇💟🌸
24/10/2024
OAR are back at the local monthly Vegan Night Makete! We will be inside the community centre at 39 Nursery Road with peanut butter fudge, peanut butter cups (back by popular demand), and some other cruelty-free products. We will have one of our friendly rescue rabbits with us to soak up some gentle human attention. Feel free to dress up for an early Halloween (our volunteers will be wearing animal onesies!) and support us 😊 🐰 🐇
🐰🐇💟🌸
16/09/2024
Everyone loves Shadow, and why wouldn't they? She is an absolute love bug who adores attention from anyone and everyone. We've taken her on outings for the refuge and she's loved meeting the public and, of course, being the centre of attention. We love you Shadow!
It's Dora's last day as Bunny of the Week, and what a cute week it's been. She's raring for a new start and just needs a home to go to. If you think that home is with you, please email us at [email protected]
10/08/2024
If you're interested I'm adopting Dora, please email us at [email protected]
09/08/2024
Dora has lived in a good few places in her few months on this planet. She was an unexpected arrival when her recently rescued mother gave birth in the Otautahi Animal Refuge founder's home barely a week after being rescued. She then went on to stay with another director, where she and her twin sister Charlie caused mischief and mayhem while living next to a recent widower, Barnaby. They brought some relief to the old boy, who had just lost his wife, in the form of their baby antics in the pen next to his. Once they were fully weaned of their mother, they went to live with another volunteer where they could receive round the clock care while recovering from their spays. After several months there, the twins eventually had to be separated (as is the case with most bunny siblings). Charlie remained with the volunteer, and Dora was moved into the rescue. She's used to undivided attention, having had it her whole life from lots of different people. Now she's a tad upset at being moved to our centre, and is desperate for the love and companionship being a pet provides. If you think she could be the friend for you, please email us at [email protected]
08/08/2024
Our Bunny of the Week, Dora, is known to rule the roost. She is absolutely the boss if any given household and isn't afraid to let you know it. Despite her bossy nature, she also has a sweet side and loves a good cuddle session. She is adorable, confident and cuddly, what more could you want? If you're interested in adopting this beautiful wee girl, please email us at [email protected]
07/08/2024
Meet our Bunny of the Week! The speckled lady is Dora, a boss lady who has been with us since the moment she was born. She and her twin sister Charlie were an unexpected arrival when we took in her mother, Precious, who gave birth a week after arriving at our centre. Now Dora is almost a year old, desexed, vaccinated and ready for a home of her own. If you're interested in adopting this beautiful baby, please email us at [email protected]
31/07/2024
17/07/2024
An exciting opportunity to join our volunteer team has become available!
As we grow in our community, we are overwhelmed with invites and opportunities to be even more involved. Therefore we are in need of our very own Event Manager.
We need someone who is motivated by helping others and has great skills to contribute.
The role will be 5 to 15 hours a week, adequate administrative skills a necessity. If you are interested, please get in touch with one of our lovely volunteers or email us at [email protected]
12/07/2024
It's sweet Lucy Liu's last day as Bunny of the Week! We've learned lots about combating anxiety in rabbits, and seen how Lucy has come in our care. Now all that she needs is a home to call her own. If you're interested in adopting our shrinking violet, please email us at [email protected]
We'll be back soon with more adorable bunny content, but for now, please enjoy these pictures of our sweet Lucy Liu.
11/07/2024
If you're interested in adopting Lucy Liu, please email us at [email protected]
10/07/2024
Our Bunny of the Week, Lucy Liu, LOVES food. It is her greatest joy in life, and she will eat pretty much anything. Just like humans, rabbits have their own personal favourites when it comes to snacks, and Lucy is no exception. While most foods that are safe for rabbits to consume will do for our wee girl, her ultimate favourite would have to be dandelion leaves. The way to a rabbit's quick-beating heart is through their stomach, and some of their favourite snacks can be found right in your own garden! However it is always important to know exactly what you're giving your bunny, as there are also dangers lurking among the dandelions. If you're unsure, it's best to err on the side of caution and not give an unknown plant to your bunny. If you're interested in adopting our snack-loving Lucy, please email us at [email protected]
09/07/2024
Our girl Lucy Liu had a tough start in life. She and fan favourite Jasmine came in together after their owner passed away. Both were extremely timid, afraid and constantly hiding. While it is unclear exactly what they went through, they were left with significant trauma. Lucy has come along in leaps and bounds, but is still a nervous wee thing and needs a home that can meet her where she's at. She specifically has trauma around men, thick jeans and work boots. She is also startled by high energy people, so a calm, chill home would be perfect for her. While Lucy has built up lots of confidence, she will always have a somewhat fearful nature due to the trauma she has endured. This is a sad thing about rescue, but seeing her race around in excitement, explore, get happy for treats and actually enjoy physical contact are well worth any sadness we may feel. She has come so far from the frightened little girl who spent all day hiding in a box, and is known to be incredibly cheeky and a huge amount of fun. We would love for someone to love her just as she is. If you think that person could be you, please email us at [email protected]
08/07/2024
Meet our Bunny of the Week! This elegant lady is Lucy Liu, a shy wee girl who is looking for her forever home. She's been with us for a while, and is officially up for adoption. Lucy is super curious, and LOVES exploring. However she also likes having her own safe space to come back to. She can be very nervous, but can also settle in to a good pat when she's in the mood. She is also a woman in who has boundaries - when she wants attention she'll ask for it, and when she's done she'll leave. Although traumatised, she's built up lots of confidence, and is ready to go to a new home. She is also an incredibly sassy wee thing, who loves a good spot of mischief. If you're interested in adopting this fawn-like cutie, please email us at [email protected]
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Videos
Everyone loves Shadow, and why wouldn't they? She is an absolute love bug who adores attention from anyone and everyone. We've taken her on outings for the refuge and she's loved meeting the public and, of course, being the centre of attention. We love you Shadow!
Interested in adopting? Email us at [email protected]
#domesticmeansdependant #newzealand #aotearoa #otautahinz #õtautahi #rescuerabbits #rescue #rescuerabbit #rescuebunny #adoptme #bunny #otautahi #bunnynz #christchurch #rabbit #christchurchnz #otautahianimalrefuge #adoptdontshop #rescueanimals
Miss Mina wears her heart on her face. When she first arrived she would flinch when pet, but is doing much better when receiving love.
Interested in adopting? Email us at [email protected]
#domesticmeansdependant #newzealand #aotearoa #otautahinz #õtautahi #rescuerabbits #rescue #rescuerabbit #rescuebunny #adoptme #bunny #bunnynz #christchurch #rabbit #christchurchnz #otautahianimalrefuge #adoptdontshop #rescueanimals
Alice is such a cutie! Food is her favourite thing in life, and she's just so cute when she's snacking.
Interested in adopting? Email us at [email protected] to enquire.
#domesticmeansdependant #newzealand #aotearoa #otautahinz #õtautahi #rescuerabbits #rescue #rescuerabbit #rescuebunny #adoptme #bunny #otautahi #bunnynz #christchurch #rabbit #christchurchnz #otautahianimalrefuge #adoptdontshop #rescueanimals
Lucy Liu is a such a pretty bun! She even manages to make drinking water look elegant. She's doing so well and we couldn't be prouder of her.
Interested in adopting? Flick us an email at [email protected] to enquire.
#domesticmeansdependant #newzealand #aotearoa #otautahinz #õtautahi #rescuerabbits #rescue #rescuerabbit #rescuebunny #adoptme #bunny #otautahi #bunnynz #christchurch #rabbit #christchurchnz #otautahianimalrefuge #bunnyoftheweek #adoptdontshop #rescueanimals
Our Bunny of the Week, Lucy Liu, LOVES food. It is her greatest joy in life, and she will eat pretty much anything. Just like humans, rabbits have their own personal favourites when it comes to snacks, and Lucy is no exception. While most foods that are safe for rabbits to consume will do for our wee girl, her ultimate favourite would have to be dandelion leaves. The way to a rabbit's quick-beating heart is through their stomach, and some of their favourite snacks can be found right in your own garden! However it is always important to know exactly what you're giving your bunny, as there are also dangers lurking among the dandelions. If you're unsure, it's best to err on the side of caution and not give an unknown plant to your bunny. If you're interested in adopting our snack-loving Lucy, please email us at [email protected]
#domesticmeansdependant #newzealand #aotearoa #otautahinz #õtautahi #rescuerabbits #rescue #rescuebunny #adoptme #otautahi #bunnynz #christchurch #rabbit #christchurchnz #otautahianimalrefuge #bunnyoftheweek #rescueanimals
Our Bunny of the Week, Mina, is a Netherland Dwarf, a breed known for being impossibly small and adorable. But those cute, tiny features come with a cost to the bunny. Like most Nethies, Mina has significant breathing issues, due to the deformation of their skulls. It was so bad when she first arrived, that one of our directors thought she must have had fluid in her airway. Luckily, that was not the case! Instead, she has an anatomical abnormality due to her breed. Now, after daily nebulising, her breathing is much better, but she will always sound a bit like a wet fart when she's excited. She will need have the nebulising treatments for the rest of her life. Her quality of life is still very high even with her breathing issues, and she is a very social and energetic little creature. If you're interested in giving our rumbly girl a forever home, please email us at [email protected]
#domesticmeansdependant #newzealand #aotearoa #otautahinz #õtautahi #rescuerabbits #rescue #rescuerabbit #rescuebunny #adoptme #bunny #otautahi #bunnynz #christchurch #rabbit #christchurchnz #otautahianimalrefuge #bunnyoftheweek #adoptdontshop #rescueanimals
Our Bunny of the Week, Bambi, is such a gentle and patient boy! He is the biggest bunny in our refuge, but he certainly doesn't throw his weight around. He's as gentle as he is sweet, and having been with us since he was a baby, he's used to all sorts of people and their shenanigans. He's even gone with us to events and has been nothing but a perfect gentleman. We don't know how he hasn't been snatched up yet, but he's still here and raring for a new home. Could that home be with you? If interested, please email us at [email protected]
#domesticmeansdependant #newzealand #aotearoa #otautahinz #õtautahi #rescuerabbits #rescue #rescuerabbit #rescuebunny #adoptme #bunny #otautahi #bunnynz #christchurch #rabbit #christchurchnz #otautahianimalrefuge #bunnyoftheweek #adoptdontshop #rescueanimals
Our Bunny of the Week, Precious, is as resilient as she is cute. She is has 2 disabilities that go hand in hand, the first of which is sight impairment. She has Albinism, a condition that causes lack of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes, and can severely impact the vision of an individual with the condition. If she were a human she would be considered legally blind, and we estimate that she has about 10% vision. To help her navigate, she uses keen sense of smell, her sensitive whiskers and she can feel vibrations with her feet. Disabled bunnies like Precious are just as loving and deserving as able-bodied buns, but they do need more consideration for their special needs and someone who is willing to put in the work to learn about their care and make their comfort a priority. Precious is a very confident girl and will happily explore and jump onto objects, so making sure she is a a blocked off/secure environment, and padding out any sharp corners is a top priority. Providing her lots of light at appropriate times also helps her see better with what sight she has, and allows her to scan her environment (you can see what her "scanning" looks like in the video!). Using moderately heavy steps to create vibrations on the floor help Precious know that her new mum is approaching, and in response Precious makes lots of happy chirps that are unique to her. Approaching her with food also allows Precious to smell when someone is coming and prepare for incoming treats!
If you're interested in becoming part of a bunny's rescue story, we are always looking for fosters/volunteers. Feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected]
#domesticmeansdependant #newzealand #aotearoa #otautahinz #õtautahi #rescuerabbits #rescue #rescuerabbit #rescuebunny #bunny #otautahi #bunnynz #christchurch #rabbit #christchurchnz #otautahianimalrefuge #bunnyoftheweek #adoptdontshop #rescueanimals
Ōtautahi Animal Refuge (OAR) – non-profit organisation, originally Ōtautahi Rabbit Rehoming, was established in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) Aotearoa (New Zealand) in September 2017. In 2019 we underwent new Management and a Mission, to provide a sustainable service devoted to creating real lasting change for the lives of domestic animals, particularly rabbits, in the Christchurch and surrounding areas.
Our Community Outreach Programme plays a vital role in our mission; with education through a direct hands-on approach, we can reduce the breeding, abuse and neglect of domestic animals.
If you are considering surrendering an animal, would like to adopt through us, or have some questions regarding your existing pet, you can arrange a free appointment with a friendly professional volunteer.
This is a free service to work with you directly, helping you achieve the best outcome possible for both you and your pet. If you would like to take advantage of this, we also offer nail trimmings and limited first aid care within this service.
We are a completely volunteer run organisation, and through our volunteers we are able to have a personal rehabilitation programme with each animal in our care.
We do not offer our animals up for adoption before they are ready; for some this is fairly quickly, others can take many months to recover and show happy healthy behaviour.
All our rabbits available for adoption have not only finished their rehabilitation, but also de-sexed, vaccinated and litter tray trained. They are to be indoor pets, living inside your home with you and your family.
Though OAR is primarily focused on the rehabilitation of neglected rabbits and ex battery hens, we work with a variety of domestic animals including ducks and guinea pigs, but at this stage we are not able to take cats or dogs, please contact another local rescue for this option.
Though there may be thousands of lives we cannot save, by changing how we as a society feel about our domestic pets, we can create a ripple effective changing the lives for countless individuals.
