Domestic rabbits are not native to the western hemisphere, they are all
descended from European wild rabbits. Hence, the stories one might hear regarding domestic rabbits being released to the wild and then having offspring as a result of breeding with native American wild species of rabbit are likely untrue. I say likely because it seems to be the case that domestic and wild rabbits will have sex, but if pregnancy results..the offspring are born
dead. I wouldn't rule out offspring surviving, but this probably would result in a situation similar to that of the breeding of horses with donkeys where the offspring (mules) are sterile. More information can be found
here or
here.
Domestic rabbits, like non-Native Americans, did not originate in North America. European humans arrived here in numbers large enough to be significant a little over 500 years ago, domestic rabbits are more recent Europeans, arriving here in the 19th century.
Therefore, the not unusual situation where a unwanted rabbit "pet" is released into the wild in the United States usually results in a short miserable life and the former "pet" becomes the victim of starvation, lack of shelter or a predator. Their often striking fur colors make them easily visible to predators.
Domestic rabbits are not adapted to living here, they have not been raised in the wild, they have not been taught how to survive by their parents and thinking they will magically acquire such skills and adaptive behaviors is almost criminally ignorant. Their European origin is one reason that domestic rabbits are so susceptible to
heat-stroke. Any temperature above 85 degrees puts them at risk, hence Oklahoma summers are potentially deadly for domestic rabbits.
The mere existence of domestic rabbits exemplifies human interference with and exploitation of other animals. Rabbits were manipulated (in their choice of breeding partners) by humans so they could be eaten or for fur, or because we thought they were amusing, or pretty or interesting or
useful.
The mother rabbit and her babies highlighted in the previous post are appealing and sweet and a pleasure to interact with. The fact is though, that she and her children are doomed to being dependent on humans for any sort of reasonable, comfortable (to whatever degree possible) life. The mere existence of "domesticated"
(substitute human-dependent for domesticated) species of any kind exemplifies human
arrogance, insensitivity and
exploitation.
What is difficult to understand about the notion that a living being has a right to live her or his own life....however they might choose to live, to have sex with whomever they wish, to choose their own friends, raise their own children, live wherever they find suitable? The majority of humans would wish for autonomy in their own lives but most appear to find the idea of according such to our fellow
Earthlings an astonishing thought.
It is phenomenal when you think about it, choosing to live your life in a way wherein one avoids, wherever possible, exploiting or doing violence to other living beings is considered peculiar, strange, unusual, weird. There is even a specific name for it (
vegan) where there is not a specific designation
(although Melanie Joy's recent book takes a stab at naming this type of living) for conducting a life where it is routine to do violence and
killing and controlling of other
sentient beings or to
pay someone to do these things.
The
incongruousness involved in someone saying they care about or "love" animals while eating a
hamburger, or
eggs or
cheese is profound, tragic and sad. Perhaps a child could make such a statement innocently, but for most such a contradiction can be maintained only through the assiduous exercise of
denial and avoidance.
Cultures are powerful vehicles for
managing human thought and behavior, there can be few greater examples of that power than believing that behaving violently or paying for violence to be done is a normal, good and desirable way of living.....and that ignoring this reality makes it not exist.
The power of the propaganda and thought distortions that are foisted upon us from birth are potent and
effective, I fault no one for succumbing to them (myself included), however, one of the primary responsibilities of adulthood is to give up believing in
fairy tales and to begin to see the world and ourselves as it is and as we are, not as we want it to be. This, however, is difficult and scary and sometimes painful, hence, many do not progress far on the journey. The problem with not doing taking this journey is that we then condone, albeit silently, the lies, distortions,
suffering and violence.
So, I absolutely and totally enjoy the presence and company of momma bunny and her babies, but, if I had the power, she would not exist....not in her current manifestation...there would be no "domestic" beings, no need for
Heartland Rabbit Rescue or other shelters. Momma bunny and her children would be living their life in their own manner of choosing (in Denmark or somewhere) and would be highly unlikely to want anything to do with me or any other human.....or maybe not (see the post
"It ought to be like that").
If we humans can ever grow up and quit acting like spoiled 2 year old children who believe everything revolves around us, if we can begin to interact with and respect other earthlings and our planet like we ourselves wish to be dealt with....then maybe momma rabbit or one of the children might not mind hanging out with me for a bit....until they had rabbit doings to take care of.
