They’re not exactly “hanging ten” on large waves, but the 1,400 rabbits currently living at the Reno ranch are enjoying water sports of sorts. With a new misting system in place, the bunnies have been participating in enthusiastic bouts of “Running-In-And-Out-Of-Water,” a challenging game of skill, strategy and hopping in and out of water spouts.

Another favorite summer game for rabbits is “Lazing in the Shallows,” a strenuous activity involving hunkering down on all four paws to rest in a shallow pan of water.

These diversions are not just for entertainment purposes (don’t tell the rabbits that), they’re necessary to keep the bunnies from the heat. When temperatures rise, rabbits burrow down into the ground to keep cool. At the rabbit ranch, the bunnies can only dig down as far down as the top of their paws. So through the summer months, steps must be taken to make sure the little furry guys don’t overheat.

The rabbit pens are covered with sheets during the day, blocking direct sunlight. Some pens have been appointed with little houses and boxes to provide additional shelter. (So far, there’s no talk of the boxes going condo…)

But the water sports make beating the heat fun for the rabbits. And happy rabbits make for the best companions. Hopefully soon, all the Reno rabbits will be keeping cool with cool human companions!

Written by Amy Abern. Photo by Clay Myers.

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