Based on our experience, I would not recommend Cuddle Bunnies for families such as ours. We are a multiracial family with a six year old African American son. We went to Cuddle Bunnies with another multiracial family, also with a six year old child of color. For context, all other families present during our session were white. Our negative experience was particularly disappointing because our children were so excited to see the rabbits and participate in the "Reading with the Bunnies" activity hosted by Cuddle Bunnies, and because they were treated very differently from the other children.
When we first arrived early, having reserved a 1:00 start time, we were nonetheless made to wait while two other groups, who arrived after we did, were allowed to enter. From the moment we were admitted to Cuddle Bunnies, we noticed that we were being watched closely by one of the employees, while the other groups were allowed to do as they pleased. For example, upon being directed to the first animal enclosure to read to the rabbits, we were told that it was the bunnies nap time and that we had to read quietly and not disturb them while they were sleeping. I also told my son not to touch the rabbits during their nap. We followed all instructions. However, a girl from one of the other groups was sticking her hands inside her enclosure to pet the sleeping rabbits. The employee supervising us saw this and said nothing, and the other group continued unsupervised. We were also told that the activities for the session we were attending were really intended for children five years old and under (the children in our group were six years old), even though no age restrictions were noted when making the reservations.
After reading to the bunnies, the children were moved to a final enclosure where they could interact with one of the rabbits. They were told to shuffle their feet while walking and not to pick up the rabbit. They were also told to be gentle because the rabbit had been spayed. They were never told that they could not touch this rabbit. While I questioned the wisdom of bringing out a rabbit that was recovering from a procedure - the rabbit still had stitches - I trusted that the employees would not put the children or the animal in any danger. In fact, the children fed the rabbit without incident, once again with the employee standing close by and watching the two children in our group while children in other groups were allowed to interact with the rabbits unsupervised. When our children wanted to pet the rabbit, the employee modeled how to do so gently using two fingers. We appreciated this instruction, as we want the children to learn to respect animals; however, yet again, the children in the other groups were allowed to interact with the animals without employee supervision and to do as they pleased.
My son touched the rabbit's leg to examine its nails and was immediately admonished not to pull the rabbit's leg. He in no way pulled on the rabbit's leg. The rabbit then rolled over on its back exposing its stomach and the children expressed delight, saying "Awe!!" My son and his friend reflexively reached over to attempt to pet the rabbit's stomach and were immediately told "That's it, you're done!" at which point we were told to leave the premises. We left immediately.
After returning home, I emailed Barbara Burdick, the owner of Cuddle Bunnies, to complain about the treatment of my son and his friend, and also to express my concern that a rabbit in a medically fragile condition was being placed with small children. Ms. Burdick responded by acknowledging that her employee handled the situation poorly, but went on to accuse my son of mistreating the animals and failing to follow instructions. She also said that some of the other groups had complained to her that we were disruptive to their experience, even though her employees and the other visitors never mentioned this to us while we were there.
Having now watched a taped segment for the ABC local news (https://abc.com/shows/localish/episode-guide/season-01/691-find-zen-relaxing-with-rabbits) and seen how young adult clients are allowed to crowd the rabbits and handle them, I can confidently say my son was extremely gentle with the animals. He is a gentle and kind boy, and it is hurtful to have him be accused of mistreating the animals when the young adults shown in the video crowding and handling the animals are lifted up as an advertisement for the business. At 6 years old, he followed all instructions given by the staff, was very gentle with the animals, and yet he and his friend were followed like criminals and then kicked out of the business. The children in the other groups did not receive the same level of scrutiny. Clearly, despite their good behavior, there was something different about my son and his friend that caused the staff to single these two children out. read more