Enderby Island Rabbit - New Zealand's Heritage Breed

Enderby Island Rabbits, Slate color.

Enderby Island Rabbit, Champagne color.

Enderby Island Rabbit, creme color.

Scott got to judge this unique breed in New Zealand: the Enderby Island Rabbits.

Here is the background of the breed from Internet source:

"The breed of rabbits known as “Enderby Island” or just “Enderby” are descendants of rabbits taken from Australia and released onto subantarctic Enderby Island in the Auckland Islands group early in October 1865. Here they engendered a rabbit population which was to remain in isolation for nearly 130 years.

Enderby Island rabbits are of a moderate size and weigh around two kilograms.

Until the last two years all animals remained the property of the Rare Breeds Conservation Society of New Zealand with breeding programmes being undertaken by individual caregivers. Some animals are now available for purchase by private enthusiasts. Some have been exported to North America."

Kerstin obtained the photos of the three different colors from the breeders of Enderby rabbits, she says:

"They come in 3 colours, slate (dark grey/steel) champagne (heavier silvering) and the rare creme. There are only about 43 cremes worldwide.
Slate and champagne are born black, adults will have silver tips. They are a bit difficult to raise, they are not long domesticated and are a bit wild. They like to be outside in big runs and mate only with whom they want (not necessarily agreeable with your breeding project..lol). They have lots of character.

Bob Whitman imported them to Texas. Sadly he passed away and I believe they are now all gone. "