Three baby rabbits dumped in a park survived out in the cold on their own before being discovered by a park ranger.
The 19-week-old bunnies were named Bourbon, Florentine and Viennese Whirl by the team at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Burford.
The trio were abandoned in a park in Buckinghamshire.
Although left at the mercy of predators, luckily they were uninjured and after a health check were quickly found new homes.
This incident comes as the charity raises concerns about the welfare of rabbits, with figures showing an increasing number of pets being abandoned.
An increase in rabbit sales during the lockdown is putting huge strain on rescue centres, with thousands of rabbits being abandoned and dumped.
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In 2020 the Blue Cross took in 326 rabbits for rehoming - last year it was 435.
More than 100 have arrived this year already and the charity has had calls to help many more who are on their waiting list.
Katie Stiles, animal welfare assistant at Blue Cross Burford, said: “These lovely rabbits are very lucky to have avoided injury or even worse, succumbed to predators after being left to care for themselves in a country park.
“The park ranger who found them took them to the vets who then contacted us for help. We’re so happy we could find them new loving homes.”
The charity is warning the public about the responsibility to comes with having rabbits as pets.
Ms Stiles said: “Sadly rabbits are among the most neglected pets as many people don’t understand their needs or the commitment of taking them on.
“Rabbits are naturally sociable so they need companionship of their own kind. They will be much happier living in pairs or compatible groups and will get lonely if kept on their own.
“They can also live for up to 12 years and need much more than a hutch for a healthy and happy life.
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“We know many people are struggling with the rising cost of living but we’d urge any owner who is unable to care for their pet to contact us or another charity for help, rather than abandoning an animal.”
This year Blue Cross is celebrating 125 years of helping sick, injured and homeless animals. Every month the charity helps thousands of pets and people by providing veterinary care, expert behaviour advice and finds homeless cats, dogs, small animals and horses happy homes.
To find out more and make a donation visit www.bluecross.org.uk/125-years-of-blue-cross.
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