What implies if petition to protect Okunoshima rabbits fails?

To Takehara City/The Ministry of Environment: We call for a system to care for sick and injured rabbits on Okunoshima rabbit Island.

10/11/26

What I fear most is this:

Even though we have launched a petition drive to rescue the rabbits of Okunoshima, we might fail to gather enough signatures. Change.org/okunoshimarabbitwelfare

What would that imply?

It would mean that not very many people consider the current situation of the Okunoshima rabbits to be a problem.

There’s nothing quite like the soothing presence of cute rabbits, is there? An island teeming with them is such a fun place to visit.

I imagine people come to Okunoshima expecting something like a petting zoo.

However, the crucial difference is that there are no zookeepers on Okunoshima, nor do the rabbits receive veterinary care. There are no time limits on interactions and no restrictions on feeding.

Naturally, the rabbits get sick and injured; it is simply an inevitable consequence.

Even the rabbit, gasping its last in a heart-rending state, is eclipsed by the adorable kits born after it.

Do not be misled. The situation facing the rabbits on Okunoshima is nothing short of abuse.

It is our responsibility as humans to fundamentally improve the situation of the rabbits on Okunoshima that are suffering.