Sanctuary

Not "perfect," but no less deserving.....

NJHRS Sanctuary Rabbits

Not all rabbits who enter our foster homes leave for permanent adoptive homes. Some, for reasons of health problems or behavioral issues stay in NJHRS foster homes as Sanctuary Rabbits. Here they will live the rest of their life with love, companionship, good food and proper medical care. Below are pictures and a brief history of our current sanctuary rabbits.

Willie does not tolerate handling or head rubs. He gets very stressed when hands come close and he requires a special, understanding approach. He used to be a severe biter, in fact, the shelter that took him in, labeling him unadoptable due to aggression, was not even going to show him to the public as they could not take the chance that he would "do damage" to someone. Willie rarely bites now, but still displays anxiety and stress when approached. He is content being left alone in his pen. He was paired happily with Bailey for several years before her passing and even at his happiest time, would not permit anyone to touch him.

Donovan is a lovely pristine white New Zealand with ruby eyes. He arrived as a baby stray several years ago and has grown up in his foster home. NJ HRS had him listed for adoption for a long time, but no one inquired about him. When potential adopters visited the foster home to meet rabbits, Donovan put on an unsociable face, stayed in a corner and refused to share his charm with anyone. He even charged his foster mom when she tried to coax him to meet people, giving the visitors the impression he was aggressive. So he has stayed and is content. Many people don't find New Zealand rabbits attractive but in his foster mom's eyes, he is gorgeous.

This quartet was accidentally born in a foster home in April 2000. Having been together since then, and with little interest from potential adopters, we have decided to let them stay together in a foster home. From left to right, they are Oonagh, Libby, Romeo and Meg. They're as close in person as they are in this picture! They just can't get enough of each other--always sleeping together, eating together, lying on top of each other or grooming each other, they're a mutual admiration society. And by the way, that's 48 lbs of rabbits there. They're a rather large group! Sadly, Oonagh (on the left) passed away in November 2006.

Pip and Sammy have been foster care since August of 2003 and June of 2002 respectively. They are a very closely bonded couple who are not really people friendly, hence their long time in foster care. But they are safe and happy with us, so here they'll stay.