A Richmond charity is trying to find long-term homes for bunnies after launching what’s understood to be North America’s first-ever bunny cafe.
The Bunny Café, on Commercial Drive and Venables in Vancouver, is partly opening its doors to the public this week where customers can meet the rabbits and give a cup of treats to about two-dozen adoptable pets.
However, due to COVID, only the retail part of the café will be open to the public, which also sells a whole range of fun, rabbit-themed merchandize.
For around $16, you can “meet” the rabbits and feed them, but you’re not allowed to pick them up.
This project was made possible after Catfe, Western Canada’s first cat cafe, teamed up with the Richmond-based Rabbitats Rescue Society.
Sorelle Saidman, founder of Rabbitats, told the Richmond News that she hopes that the Bunny Cafe will show that rabbits can make great pets and help them eventually be adopted into good homes.
“There are so many abandoned domestic rabbits in BC, they need to be adopted out in colonies to really make a difference. People can see what a joy it is to be surrounded by sweet, curious bunnies,” she said.
The bunny cafe concept was first considered after Rabbitats hosted a series of bunny pop-up events at UBC and at the Steveston Salmon Festival, said Saidman.
She noted that the rabbits won’t be forced to interact with people at the cafe if they don’t want to, with nests on the site to allow them to have their own private space to “relax and chill.”
Saidman said she is also looking for another space in Richmond to launch another Bunny Cafe, but she won’t be able to do it without the public’s help.
The cost is $15.95 + GST per person, and visits are 55 minutes long. Guests must be five years old or older, and face masks, hand-washing and social distancing is required.
For more information, visit bunnycafe.ca.
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