I could NOT bear to watch this rabbit

2/25/26

A ailing rabbit with tattered coat. I wonder if she has turned a year old yet? Perhaps, once upon a time, it was healthy enough to run and frolic freely.

Now, however, she is frequently chased away and struggles desperately just to secure a morsel of food.On that particular day—perhaps sensing that its chances were slim if it merely kept reaching up from the ground—she climbed all the way onto the table where my bag sat, filled with various treats.

As it happened, the other rabbits were too busy feeding on the ground to notice this little one’s presence; realizing that if I let this moment pass, I might never get another chance to give it a proper meal, I seized the opportunity.

The rabbit that had climbed onto the table brought its face right up to mine. Her eyes and nose were in a terrible state—ravaged by infection. I hurriedly pulled out a banana. As I peeled it and held it out, the rabbit began to devour it voraciously.

Was this the first time she had ever tasted such a thing?

The way she ate was so pitiful that it brought tears to my eyes. Although I knew I shouldn't give it too much at once, looking at this rabbit—which I doubted would survive much longer—I decided to let her eat as much as her heart desired.

Watching it, I simply couldn't hold back my tears.

Why? Why is it left neglected and uncared for until she reaches such a wretched state?

Are we really supposed to accept this as the "fate" of those born on Okunoshima Island?

Don't give me that nonsense!

We must never, ever accept the reality of the rabbits on this island being subjected to such cruel treatment.There, before me, stood a rabbit that compelled me to vow—time and time again—that I would never cease appealing to the Ministry of the Environment on their behalf.