Albury rabbit Mr Bigglesworth has taken the world by storm, capturing international internet attention for his unique looks and antics.
But the bunny, who has a rare genetic disorder making him hairless, has a serious message for people this Easter - rabbits are for life.
Mr Bigglesworth was adopted by Wodonga's Cassandra Hall after the breeder was going to euthanise him.
He is one of only four bunnies in the world known to have the recessive ff gene condition and boasts 66,000 followers on Instagram.
His veterinarian Nadine Miller said rabbits were fantastic pets, full of personality, but they required just as much care and financial investment as a cat or dog.
She and Mr Biggleworth teamed up ahead of Easter to share the message that 'bunnies are not for Easter they're a ten to 12 year commitment'.
"Statistics from the UK show 80 to 95 per cent of rabbits given as Easter presents wind up in care within three months because they're no longer cute baby bunnies and the hormones kick between four to six months," Dr Miller said.
"People think they're a temporary pet, like goldfish syndrome, but they're not they're incredibly rewarding but you need to do your homework."
Dr Miller said rabbits were hard to rehome once in care.
She said anyone considering adopting a bunny needs to be aware the animals require indoor housing, a rabbit-proofed house or secure insect proof outside housing that is at least two to three metres long and two metres wide.
"A hutch is not a home," she said. "They need a lot of care and company and a wide area to hop around in they're really active, inquisitive animals."
Dr Miller said like cats, rabbits often want to be near their owners and be patted but don't like to be picked up or smothered with affection.
"They're incredibly sociable, rewarding and entertaining pets," she said.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
