Domestic rabbit in exhibit

Domestic Rabbit

Scientific Name
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Geographic Range
Domesticated around the world
Diet
Vegetation
Domestic rabbit in exhibit Endangered Status Graph - Not Listed Endangered Status Graph - Not Listed

More Information

Descended from the European rabbit, domestic rabbits originated in the Iberian Peninsula and parts of France and northwest Africa. Now, due to human influence, rabbits can be found worldwide. Lincoln Park Zoo is home to Flemish giants, which are among the oldest rabbit breeds in existence.

Flemish giant rabbits originated in the 16th or 17th centuries in what is now Belgium and were bred for their fur and meat. However, their high bone density made them less desirable for meat production, so they are mostly pets or show animals today. They are known to be inquisitive, friendly, and intelligent, and may greet others by standing on their hind legs and stretching up.

Did You Know?

  • There are around 80 breeds and varieties of domestic rabbits around the world.
  • Flemish giant rabbits are one of the largest breeds; they can get up to 20 pounds and 32 inches in length.
  • Males are called bucks and females are called does.

 

Animal Care staff working with seal

Commitment to Care

Lincoln Park Zoo prioritizes individual well-being over everything else. Guided by scientific research, staff and volunteers work to provide the best welfare outcomes for each individual in the zoo’s care.

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Two Chilean flamingos in exhibit

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Asian small-clawed otter in exhibit

Wish List

The Wish List is full of one-of-a-kind items for the zoo’s animals, including nutritious snacks and enrichment items to keep them active and healthy.

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African penguin eating a fish

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Wildlife face many daunting challenges—some global, like planet-wide climate change, and some that affect individuals, like an animal ingesting plastic—but now is not the time to despair. None of these problems are too big for us to come together and solve.

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