MR. BIGGLESWORTH*

MR. BIGGLESWORTH is a Rex Rabbit, who was born on June 30th 2017 with a hairless genetic disorder. On August 24th 2017 Mr Bigglesworth joined his new family consisting of his human mum Cassandra, big sister Maddy and big brother Joshy.

Cassandra saw a local breeder advertising his siblings on Facebook and under one of the photo's was a sentence 'hairless not for sale'. She messaged the breeder asking to see more photos of the hairless rabbit as she had never seen one before and already had a rabbit of her own. The breeder sent her photos and told her she could have it 'for free, as it wasn't saleable' and he had put down the last one.

The next day, she drove to the breeder and found the little hairless rabbit living outside with his siblings. She was given the little frail hairless bunny and she took him home. He was named Mr Bigglesworth as he reminded his new family of the hairless cat in the Austin Powers Movies.

It was a worrying time because his new family wasn't sure if he would live or die. Cassandra researched the internet about his condition but couldn't find anything so she put him on Instagram hoping someone in the rabbit world would know about his condition and how to look after him. The news of a hairless bunny on Instagram quickly circulated and within a week the media began to publish the story, The Daily Mail ran a feature. Soon other rabbit owners, from around the world, reached out to Cassandra to share their stories on their rabbits having the same condition.

Cassandra learnt that Mr Bigglesworth parents have a ff gene (hairless gene) and if two rabbits are bred with the same gene they will produce a hairless rabbit in every litter. Most don't live past 4 weeks of age.

As the story of Mr Bigglesworth continues to spread, he continues to win hearts worldwide. His family never anticipated the kind of response they have received, from both rabbit lovers, and people in general from right across the globe. Even though he is different, he brings so much happiness to his family, simply by being his happy, cheeky, bouncy, snuggly little self. Through his ever-growing platform he raises awareness about his condition and fights against bullying. Mr Bigglesworth also donates any money he makes through his merchandise sales to Rescues around the world, he has donated thousands of dollars so far and posts about them on his social media pages.

Since Mr Bigglesworth is the epitome of the outcast, most people connect with his “underdog” story and adore him for his endearing qualities. His loyal followers embrace his physical differences, and have fallen in love with his cheekiness and connect to his message; that true beauty comes in all forms and radiates from within.

*Sadly Mr. Bigglesworth passed away after being diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy on March 11th, 2023. Rest Easy sweet boy.