​大久野島ラビットウェルフェア
​Okunoshima Rabbit Welfare 

it acceptable for Ohkunoshima rabbits to suffer and die on the island？ 9/14/26 Some people say the rabbits on Okunoshima are happy living freely with their families and companions. They argue that since the rabbits were born on the island, they should spend their entire lives there. Do they really think it is acceptable for them to suffer and die from illness together, just like the two in this photo? Please stop romanticizing the lives of the rabbits on the island and look a

Injury for her left leg was quite serioius High probability for cause of injury was bite wounds from fight with other rabbit 9/13/26 Here is an update on Niki-chan, who was rescued on September 6, 2026. Examinations ruled out fractures, dislocations, and neurological disorders. However, a large mass of tissue (measuring 6 cm by 5 cm) has formed on her left arm, extending from the elbow to the shoulder joint; it is firmly adhered to the ribs of the left chest wall, and the ov

Injured rabbits do not get the same treatment as cute rabbits 9/11/26 When you visit Okunoshima, you are bound to encounter all sorts of rabbits. There are the rabbits that energetically come bounding right up to you—the “star players” of Okunoshima. These are the little ones who shoulder the island’s success, creating the impression that every rabbit here is lively and happy. If you take a moment to observe, you will notice rabbits here and there that do not appear healthy.

This rabbit did not survive overnight 9/9/26 Overwhelmed by the cuteness of the many rabbits gathered in front of the hotel, she just kept saying "So cute!" over and over again. I briefly explained the reality of these rabbits, but I don't think she really heard a word I said—she was too excited by how adorable they were. Watching her, I had the illusion that I was looking at my own self from ten years ago. That’s right—I was exactly like her. I found the rabbits adorable an

Rabbits hide their pain 9/9/26 One life-threatening danger for the rabbits of Okunoshima is the way they are treated by children. To most children, the rabbits are merely moving toys. They pick them up, grab them roughly, poke them with tree branches, and chase them around while brandishing sticks. A rabbit being chased panics and darts unpredictably from side to side. Consequently, a child may accidentally trample it, and the rabbit quickly disappears from the child's sight.

9/7/26 Following the trial regarding the mass killing of rabbits that occurred between 2024 and 2025, the rabbits on Okunoshima were reclassified as "animals subject to humane treatment"; however, they remain ownerless, non-native animals. Neither in the past nor at present have the island's rabbits received any management or care, and there are no plans to alter the Ministry of the Environment's policy regarding them. Given that 90% of tourists visit Okunoshima specifically

Matsuzaka was legendary rabbit on Ohkunoshima The color of each eye was different He was not able to stand up the night before he passed. 9/5/26 The rabbit known as Matsuzaka-san. He was a male—a beautiful rabbit with one blue eye and one green eye—and I heard he was named after the actress Keiko Matsuzaka because he resembled her. Matsuzaka-san had fathered a great many offspring and was a long-lived rabbit who had reached the age of five. He lived life at his own pace withi

Beach Mama had skillset to survive on Ohkunoshima island. 9/1/26 The rabbit we called "Beach Mama"—who lived at the swimming beach—was a highly intelligent animal that had given birth many times; whenever she lost a mate, she would quickly find a new one. In this area, crows would perch on the branches by day, scouting for rabbits, while wild boars roamed at night; consequently, these rabbits were far more alert to predators than those living in front of the main building. Th

Crows are always looking for food 8/28/26 Crows are known for their intelligence, but the crows on Okunoshima are skilled hunters. While they once merely scavenged for leftover food or carcasses, over the years they have evolved to prey on live rabbits. Using their exceptional powers of observation, they target rabbits that are sick or injured, pecking at them whenever the opportunity arises; once they judge the prey to be sufficiently weakened, they deliver the killing blow,

When first found, Cheeky was all alone She was very slow in eating Her cheek was getting day by day like a baloon They had to drain pus from her cheek She endured tough treatment for over 3 weeks 8/27/26 We named the rabbit with the swollen left cheek "Cheeky." Often chased by others, Cheeky struggled to eat enough; perhaps due to dental issues, the rabbit ate too slowly to keep up with the rest of the group. To ensure Cheeky got enough food, it took two people to feed Cheeky

Hana chan struggled with Pasteurella as long as we knew her She used to look up when she was not doing well and couldn't breathe well. Hana chan's partner was head over heels for Hana. Last time we saw Hana chan in June, 2024. 8/25/26 A female rabbit I named "Hana-chan" lived in the area in front of the hotel—a spot said to have the highest concentration of rabbits on Okunoshima. This area is also home to many rats, meaning the rabbits essentially coexist with them; sightin

His injury was by far the worst we've seen His His left abdomen had deep gash He was skin & bones when found He was hiding away from other rabbits Large abscess was formed around his butt and he went missing shortly after 8/23/26 Memorable Rabbits Part 7 Zakkuri It was a rabbit that had sustained a severe, deep gash on his left abdomen. Although there was exposed, sharp wire where the protective fencing in its habitat had broken, the true cause of the injury remains unknown.

What is paradise for domestic rabbits? 8/22/26 Okunoshima is an island situated in the Seto Inland Sea. Despite its dark history, the scenery is reminiscent of a tropical paradise, leading one to imagine that the rabbits living there must be truly happy. However, Okunoshima does not provide an environment where domestic rabbits can survive without human intervention. Water sources on the island are limited, and it has been verified and proven that the predominantly sandy soil

Size of her tumor was breathtaking SOS post done before leaving the island Her tumor was reduced in size significantly by over a month of medication After surgical removal of her tumor, she regained the quality of life 8/21/26 A rabbit on the West Coast that had a large tumor on its ear. The size of the tumor was breathtaking. She was all alone but fortunately, she held high rank in the territory, so she was rarely chased by others. Posts about the rabbit had been appearing

Boss was found struggling on the ground He was getting by till a few days ago although his neck was tilted With loss of balance, he was totally bedridden and needed help 24x7 care started for Little Boss 8/19/26 The very night we buried Visi-chan on the island, we received word that a rabbit was in distress. It was Little Boss. Although he had developed a head tilt some time ago, he had managed to get around until then. However, starting that night, Little Boss completely los

The rabbit was writhing in agony when found Unable to eat or drink, the rabbit went into convulsion not much treatment was done at hospital, hospitalization was refused 8/16/26 Memorable rabbits Part 4 (Visi chan) I found a rabbit near the visitor center early in the morning, writhing in agony. Her body was convulsing, and it seemed there was nothing to be done. It appeared unlikely to survive much longer, but it was a Saturday—a day when tourists flock to the area. Unable

8/12/26 Rapo stopped eating as a result of GI stasis Rapo after recovery from GI stasis Many of the rabbits on Okunoshima are friendly. However, a rabbit named Rapo, who lived in the open area near the pool, struck me as—in a sense—a classic capricious, fickle rabbit. This rabbit was incredibly cute and extremely popular. Although the rabbit looked like a girl, he was actually a boy; because of this, he had to move from territory to territory, struggling quite a bit to find a

Life after falling iill was rough for Necky His left eye was full of dirt due to constant contact with the ground This posture is the only way he could rest 8/9/26 The rabbit, whom we named Necky in 2022, suffered from Torticollis so severe that his head was twisted all the way down, bringing his face nearly to the ground. He had apparently once been the boss of his territory; the tears in his ears bore witness to the fierce battles he had endured, revealing him to be a rabbi

8/6/26 There are many cute rabbits on Okunoshima. However, since most of them have short lives, it is often the case that you never get to see them a second time. Among the rabbits that have managed to live a long life, we often find myself picking out a favorite. In fact, quite a few people who visit Okunoshima regularly go there so specifically because of those particular rabbits. The rabbit named Gomafuwa was one whose well-being we ourselves made sure to check every time

When Kaito was healthy back in February 2026 Kaito was grossly underweight and carrying huge abscess before rescue in July 2026 7/31/26 Regarding medical rescue operations from Okunoshima, some argue that rabbits with no chance of survival should simply be left on the island. Why is that? A rabbit with no hope of recovery is often unable to eat and is in a state where it cannot even be aware of the other rabbits around it. The surrounding rabbits can do nothing but remain nea