It’s Year of the Rabbit 2023, when celebrations are held throughout Asia and across the wider world. This zodiac cycle occurs once every 60 years, and signifies thoughtfulness, tranquility, and longterm goals.
Here’s what you need to know about these animals as their totem ascends for the Lunar New Year, including notes about their habitat, their impact on biodiversity, and their super-cute reason for leaping.
RABBITS KEEP WILDLIFE BALANCED
As long as they're not being fed by human means (including trash bins or gardens), rabbits are deeply connected to longterm goals for the planet. That's because rabbits are very adaptable herbivores, and besides grass and roots, they can also eat nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and even tree bark. Because of their expansive diets, rabbits are key for stabilizing plant growth, while keeping predator populations in check. Without rabbits, our ecosystem wouldn't be balanced.
RABBITS NEED FRIENDSHIP
Like the Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone, rabbits depend on each other. They've evolved to live in groups, and depend on the company of others for grooming, protection, and emotional health.
RABBITS PURR WHEN THEY'RE HAPPY
Just like cats, rabbits are known to "purr" when happy or relaxed. But unlike felines, their purring comes from the soft chattering of their teeth. (Rabbits have 28 of them, FYI!)
A RABBIT'S JUMP IS CALLED A BINKIE
Rabbits aren't just adorable—their behavior also sounds adorable. A binkie is a very real, technical term for a rabbit's leap, often done while kicking or twisting in midair. Biologists say a binkies indicate a rabbit's happiness or excitement, and can happen after finding food or during a particularly warm day.
A GROUP OF RABBITS IS CALLED A FLUFFLE
Seriously. This is real.
