Couple Raise 6 Rabbits, Go Out With Them

They are used to passers-by wanting to pet or take photos with their fur kids, but they draw the line at letting strangers carry the bunnies

- Joanne Soh

They are used to strangers gawking at them or peeking into their strollers, only to be surprised that inside the prams are not babies, but bunnies.

Mr Cornelius Lee, 45, and Ms Polly Lim, 44, are proud parents of six rabbits. Aged between one and seven years old, they include a mini lop, a French lop, two Holland lops, a Netherland dwarf and a Flemish giant.

The couple, who have been married for 10 years and have no children, say their lifestyle has not changed since they added six fur kids to their lives.

The family of eight enjoy hanging out by the pool of their condominium in Serangoon, walking down Orchard Road, going to the beach or catching live performances around the Civic District.

"More places are pet-friendly now, so it's easier to take them out," says Mr Lee, who works in finance.

"We usually go out during weekends. Funan is a place we often go to, so some shop staff are used to seeing our rabbits," adds Ms Lim, who is in the healthcare industry.

As the couple take their rabbits out frequently, the bunnies are accustomed to new places and loud noises. They are also used to being the centre of attraction, with people wanting to pet them or take photographs with them.

The only downside for the couple is that not all six of the rabbits can go out at the same time now.

"Bleu has grown bigger, so he takes up one pram. The smaller ones can fit into the second pram," says Mr Lee, adding that either he or his wife carries another rabbit in a harness.

Bleu, a male Flemish giant who will turn one on March 16, currently weighs 5.6kg and is almost the length of the couple's torsos.

"He will only get bigger as he grows older," says Ms Lim. Flemish giants are the largest breed of domestic rabbits and the adult sizes can reach 15kg.

Similarly, Ciaran, a male French lop who is one, weighs 4.4kg and can grow to an average of 5kg to 6kg.