Black rabbits

Black rabbits, like black gemstones, reflect a kaleidoscope of colours in the sunshine – in fact, one of the names suggested when we considered renaming Snoop was Obsidian, Sid for short! (we had too many name suggestions from our family of 5, so stuck with Snoop!). However, black animals are frequently overlooked in rescue centres – they are left, waiting in the shadows, whilst the more colourful animals go to their forever homes. Ruby-eyed white bunnies (REW) are also widely unpopular – people find the red eyes unnerving, yet they are known to be very affectionate rabbits!

So why don’t people want black rabbits? It’s the same reasons as for other black animals:

• Black animals are hard to photograph – they are less likely attract attention on animal rehoming websites, with people being drawn to those with more distinguishing markings or bright colours. Prospective owners want photogenic animals – they wish to show off beautiful details of their pets on social media, not upload photos of a black blob! We are guilty of saying Mabel and Dijon (Dutch rabbits) were easy to photograph compared to Ebony and Snoop. It just requires more consideration, which is good, as we take more time to observe, rather than just snapping the photo!
• Black animals are unlucky – the myth that black cats are unlucky, and associated with witchcraft or evil, has tainted other black animals. In UK folklore, black cats symbolise good luck, unless they cross in front of you… then it’s unlucky. This dates to the Middle Ages, during the Black Death, when people thought that black cats were spreading the virus. There was a cull of black cats, but the spread of the virus accelerated, so then people started believing that choosing to cull the black cats had caused bad luck. They failed to recognise that it was the rats spreading the virus, and without the cats controlling the rat population, it was escalating.
• Black animals are less friendly – there’s a common assumption that black animals are unfriendly, less playful, and even aggressive. This may simply be because people cannot read their facial expressions as easily.

In other cultures, the black rabbit has positive associations, including fertility, new beginnings, wisdom, protection, and good luck. It is viewed as a symbol of magic, mystery, and strength. See this page for more about their symbolism. Perhaps there wouldn’t be so many black rabbits in rescue centres if the western world shared these views?

Some other positive thoughts about black rabbits:

• Black is sleek and sophisticated.
• Black is versatile – black rabbits match any décor.
• Black is discreet – you won’t need a lint roller for your black suit.
• Black is associated with boldness, confidence, and power!

Although of course being black does help Ebony and Snoop get up to mischief without being too visible!