Rabbit Rescued by the Kendall County Democratic Women
The Kendall County Democratic Women (KCDW) hosted a Spring Wildflower Walk on Sunday, May 2nd, at the Richard Young Forest Preserve in Yorkville. Along the way, a domestic pet rabbit, apparently recently abandoned in the woods, was spotted. The rabbit, which is believed to be a lop-eared mix, was sitting on the trail at the beginning of the walk, unafraid of people. Because the rabbit was still around at the conclusion of the walk, a few of the Democrats returned to search for it later in the day. The timid rabbit was quickly found and rescued, and adopted by Robyn Prince Sutcliff, who will keep the female rabbit as a pet.
This incident brings to light the problem of abandoning domestic animals in the wilderness. This practice is not only sad and irresponsible, but dangerous for the animals, and depending on the species, may introduce undesirable non-natives into the local ecosystem. In the case of domestic rabbits, many have lost the ability to detect toxic plants, and rotate their ears to better detect threats and predators. Additionally, many have light colored fur that is easily seen by predators in the wild, and may require daily grooming. Neither animals nor plants should ever be removed from a forest preserve, but in this case, the rabbit was tame, with clipped nails, and identified as domestic by someone experienced with the breed.
This bunny was very lucky that people concerned for its welfare found it. Robyn, Yorkville Alderman and candidate for County Board, along with her daughter Casey, who is a 4H member and already has one domestic pet rabbit, will provide an excellent home for the rabbit. Their new pet has been named Violet, after the native wildflower and Illinois State Flower, and is settling in nicely with the Sutcliff family.
Please call Animal Control at 630-553-9256 with questions about unwanted or stray animals, and wildlife situations. The Kendall County Animal Shelter is located at 802 John Street, in Yorkville. The website address is www.co.kendall.il.us/animal_control, where animals available for adoption may be viewed online. Information about volunteering may be found there as well. Donations of the following are gladly accepted: pet food, dog and cat treats, cat litter, laundry detergent and cage cleaning supplies such as bleach and paper towels, and old towels and blankets. They collect aluminum cans for recycling, and cash donations are also welcome.
Information and photos of the KCDW wildflower walk may be viewed at www.KendallCountyDemocraticWomen.ORG. For more information about the KCDW, email President Chrisi Vineyard at kendalldemwomen@kendalldemnet.com. Visit Robyn's website at www.Robyn4Kendall.com.
Robyn Prince Sutcliff with Violet
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Violet in the forest preserve as found on the day of the walk