Japan is not the only country, that has an island full of rabbits. Did you know, that you can find one even in the Czech Republic?
When I was writing about the Japanese Cat islands, I wanted also to write an article about their rabbit island straight away. But you wouldn’t believe what I’ve learned while I was doing my research. You will find such an island also in the Czech Republic! It is in South Bohemia, at Lipno.
The Cat island, originally known as the Snake island, is located about 400 m away from the ship-yard in Lipno nad Vltavou. It is an “attraction” frequently visited by the tourists and many are not put off even by bad weather. With its size, the island resembles a basketball court and from April to November, you will find around thirty of bunny rabbits here.
The fluffies are used to humans, you can stroke them, cuddle with them or feed them by hand. However, you need to get to the island on your own – the best way is to loan a small boat or a paddle boat in the ship-yard.
The idea to start a Rabbit island came from the mayor of Lipno nad Vltavou, and the model was the Japanese island of Okunoshima, called Usagi Shima – that is, the Rabbit island.
During the World War II, there was an important factory for chemical weapons on Okunoshima. And that’s how the rabbits have gotten onto the island, since the chemical weapons were tested on the fluffies. After the end of the war, the plant was closed by the occupational American administration and over time, more and more bunnies started to appear on the island, even though, the present-day rabbits supposedly aren’t connected with the test ones in any way.
Today, there are thousands of free-living rabbits on the island. It is forbidden to hunt them and the tourism is flourishing here. You will find parks, a hotel and a camping site on the island. Ruins of and old fortress and the plant are still standing here, but entrance is forbidden as it is dangerous. If you get tired of swimming in the ocean, or from cuddling the bunnies, you can visit The Poison Gas Museum – local museum dedicated to the poisonous gas. You will learn about the construction of the factory, working conditions and the effect of the gas on humans.
Even though feral rabbits live here, they are more than used to humans. Not only do they let you feed them, they will even go after you. Take a look at the video.:)
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