OAR - Otautahi Animal Refuge and Education Trust

Home
New Zealand
Christchurch
OAR - Otautahi Animal Refuge and Education Trust

OAR - Otautahi Animal Refuge and Education Trust 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.

20/03/2025

Getting your bunny neutered not only prevents the creation of babies, it also stops unwanted behaviours! Our beautiful boy Ash is quite the ladies man, or so he likes to think. Whenever he has some run around time at the refuge, he always heads straight to an enclsure with a solo lady bunny. At our open day, he was let out to meet some of our visitors and get some additional enrichment. After a quick 'hello', he snuck past our volunteers and went to strut his stuff in front of an uninterested Lucy Liu. He knew he had to do something big, something bold to impress this velvet lady. So, in true gentlemanly fashion, he popped a squat and w**d right in front of her enclosure. He was subsequently caught and brought back to his enclosure, with a volunteer assuring "he won't do this when he's been neutered". Ah dear Ash, we are certainly happy these days are behind you since your desexing. He'll be ready to go to a new home in a few weeks and we couldn't be prouder. If you're interested in adopting this misguided Casanova once he has recovered, please email us at [email protected]

19/03/2025

Unlike a lot of our bunnies, Ash's origin story is refreshingly wholesome. He's been a pampered prince from day one, and came from an amazing home that loves him dearly. His original owners had to move and could not take Ash with them, so contacted us for help finding a new home for their dear boy. He was surrendered to us with lots of tears, and came with some sentimental items that will go with him to his new home. He has never known cruelty or neglect, and is an incredibly vibrant and confident rabbit due to his wonderful start in life. We promised we'd give him a new home where he can continue to be loved and cherished, now all we need is to find one. If you think your home could be the one, please email us at [email protected]

18/03/2025

Meet our Bunny of the Week! This beautiful wee man is Ash, who is as loving as is he cute. He's a regular Casanova, who craves cuddles and has to be the centre of attention at all times. He's been described as a 'loveable ratbag' and we think this fits him perfectly. He's cheeky, charming and confident. Like most lops, Ash is hard of hearing, but that doesn't slow him down in the slightest. He's vaccinated, only a few years old and has been given a clean bill of health. He will be ready to go to a newhome once he recovers from his much needed desexing. He's had the snip and is recovering well, so we are taking pre-applications now. If you think this little rapscallion could be the bun for you, please email us at [email protected]

14/03/2025

It's Shadow's last day as Bunny of the Week! We love her so much and are looking forward to the day she finds a home of her own. If you think that home could be with you, please email us at [email protected]
We'll be back soon with more bunny cuteness, but for now, please enjoy some adorable Shadow pictures.

If you're interested in adopting Shadow, please email us at otautahianimalrefuge@gmail.com ...

13/03/2025

If you're interested in adopting Shadow, please email us at [email protected]

12/03/2025

Every so often, a bunny comes along that is perfect for events. Shadow is one of these bunnies! She's calm, confident and social. She's great with children of all ages, people with disabilities, groups of people or just one-on-one. We're even planning on taking her with us to man our monthly Vegan Markete stall, and provide bunny therapy to raise funds for the refuge. She's the kind of bunny that fits in well to new environments and adjust very quickly. Like most bunnies, she hates being picked up, but that doesn't stop her from loving on people and enjoying cuddles. She's also good with dogs, and has made best friends with one of our volunteer's canine companion. She's an amazing girl who makes friends with everyone she meets. All she needs now if a friend for life. If you're interested in adopting a new best buddy, please email us at [email protected]

11/03/2025

Shadow loves everyone. It doesn't matter who you are, she loves you! She's a great ambassador bunny, who's been with us to a few events. She's confident, loves attention and has the added benefit of being mostly deaf, so she's not afraid of loud noises. She's sat calmly munching hay as children have given her awkward pets, come up to say 'hello' to total strangers and flattened herself to to ground to luxuriate in one-on-one attention with visitors at our refuge. She's a total love bug, who settles in quickly to new situations with minimal fuss. All she needs now is a home that will love her just as much as she loves them. Could that home be with you? If you're interested in adopting Shadow, please email us at [email protected]

06/03/2025

We have 2 new arrivals at our refuge! Meet Jack Black and John Silver, a pair of boisterous duck brothers. This dynamic duo are a pair of domestic ducks (specifically Khaki Campbell and Pekin cross). These pretty boys are on the hunt for a forever home. They're keen to spread their wings and waddle into a new home, and even come with their own wee kennel. Domestic ducks lack the ability to survive in the wild, and are dependant on humans for their survival, so cannot be released. If you have room in your life for these beautiful brothers, please email us at [email protected]

27/02/2025

23/02/2025

Here's Little Miss Mina with some bunny cuteness to start your week! She's one of our special needs bunnies, who's usually in a foster home. But, while her foster dads are away, she's visiting our refuge and saying 'hello' to her old friend Shadow. We love her just as she is, and hope she brightens up your day.

13/02/2025

Announcing this evening’s special guest, Makipai the rescued magpie! You may hear her sing or chatter away (particularly if you are male… She likes her men!).

12/02/2025

Our first open evening is only a day away! We're so looking forward to meeting the public and introducing our new centre. We hope to see you there!

February 13th at 6pm
Email: [email protected]
Office: 60 Sandyford Street, Christchurch, New Zealand
Cellphone: 0277 rabbit (02 777 222 48)

11/02/2025

A big thank you to Waharoa Boutique Catering & Events for catering our first open evening! They will be selling their delicious food to visitors, with vegan options available. We look forward to having them (and YOU) at our event!

February 13th at 6pm
Email: [email protected]
Office: 60 Sandyford Street, Christchurch, New Zealand
Cellphone: 0277 rabbit (02 777 222 48)

08/02/2025

05/02/2025

02/02/2025

31/01/2025

Join us at our open evening!

Address

60 Sandyford Street
Christchurch

Telephone

+64277722248

Website

http://oar.co.nz/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when OAR - Otautahi Animal Refuge and Education Trust posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to OAR - Otautahi Animal Refuge and Education Trust:

Videos

Mina is a bunny with many quirks, which just add to her cuteness. One of the strangest is when her ears are rubbed, she sticks her tongue out! We're not sure why she does this, but it is undeniably adorable. She's such an unusual wee girl and we're slightly obsessed with her. She's a special girl who needs a special home that can handle her unique needs, but until then we're more than happy to have her. #domesticmeansdependant #newzealand #aotearoa #otautahinz #õtautahi #rescuerabbits #rescue #rescuerabbit #rescuebunny #adoptme #bunny #otautahi #bunnynz #christchurch #rabbit #christchurchnz #otautahianimalrefuge #adoptdontshop #rescueanimals

The final walk-through video before we opened our doors to the public today. Thank you very much to everyone who joined us in person for our very first open evening! We met so many people of all ages, including some brand new fans and supporters. We look forward to organising future events when the final renovations have been completed. In the meantime, we are happy to arrange visits to the refuge - please send us a message 🙂 Please also contact us if you are interested in volunteering with our team, making a donation, or sponsoring one or more of the animals in our care. #otautahianimalrefuge #adoptdontshop #animalrescue

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

Shortcuts

Our Story

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.