Starlight, Star Bright
Starlight, one of the bunnies living at the Best Friends rabbit rescue ranch, had his first taste of fatherhood as a teen bunny. And then he was promptly neutered to make sure that first taste was his last. Starlight adopted a scared little runt, (not even his biological son!) and treated him just like family. He took him under his paws, snuggled, bathed, nuzzled and offered unconditional love to the little guy.
Word got out among all the other scared little bunnies that this “older guy” could make them less frightened and offer comfort and warmth. So they snuggled up to Starlight; Starlight snuggled right back.
Even when Starlight’s contemporaries were moved to playpens for older bunnies, Starlight stayed behind to play dad. He didn’t mind.
A few weeks ago, Starlight moved into a pen with bunnies his own age. But before he left, he made sure all his little friends were OK on their own. They gathered for one last group nuzzle before parting.
Starlight is now acting out his teen years with his buddies. And even though the guy rabbits can all take care of themselves, Starlight isn’t afraid to offer unsolicited affection to his pals: Even the tough guys need love!
Written by Amy Abern. Photos by Paulina Russell.