 |
City of Seattle
Mike McGinn, Mayor
|
NEWS ADVISORY
|
| SUBJECT: Seattle Parks and Recreation, Rabbit Sanctuary Seek Donations
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
1/31/2006 3:00:00 PM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dewey Potter (206) 684-7241
|
Seattle Parks and Recreation, Rabbit Sanctuary Seek Donations
Seattle Parks and Recreation and the House Rabbit Society ask the public's help in funding a program
that will move Woodland Park's and Green Lake Park's feral rabbits to the House Rabbit Society sanctuary
in Redmond.
Gifts from the public will help provide food, housing, medications, and veterinary care, including
spays and neuter surgeries, and sanctuary for the hundreds of rabbits currently living at the parks.
The rabbits at Woodland Park have become a familiar sight to visitors, many of whom believe they are
a natural part of the park's wildlife population. However, these are feral rabbits. Many were once
loved family companions who were later abandoned in the park when their humans could no longer care
for them.
This non-native population has reproduced rapidly (one female can have 72 or more babies a year). Newly
abandoned rabbits and a steady food supply also contribute to the population growth. While they are
enjoyable to watch and they seem harmless, the rabbits displace native wildlife species, cause habitat
destruction, destroy plant life, create potential dangers to park users, and face many dangers themselves.
-more-
There is a common misconception that rabbits are better off in the "wild" and will live a
full, happy life after being released into the park. Unfortunately, these rabbits face many dangers
and only live for a short time in this environment. They are preyed upon by raptors and other predators,
they are chased and maimed by dogs, and they can contract parasites and diseases. They also must deal
with the elements, could get hit by cars, and are subject to abuse by humans.
To help ensure the safety of these rabbits and to protect the park, Parks is working with the House
Rabbit Society to trap and relocate them to Rabbit Meadows Sanctuary, a large enclosed outdoor space
that is safe from predators and the dangers they face in the park.
The House Rabbit Society, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) no-kill animal shelter, is supported by money from
the sales and services they offer, and by public donations. All of the Society's animals are rescued.
Seattle Parks has no budget for the program, which is estimated to cost $20,000, so the two agencies
are partnering in an effort to help ensure long lives for the rabbits and make repairs to this Olmsted
park.
To make a tax-deductible donation, please donate online with a credit card at: http://woodlandparkrabbits.org
or send a check or money order to:
Rabbit Meadows Sanctuary
Post Office Box 27308
Seattle, WA 98165-1808
- 30 -
Seattle Parks and Recreation
|
