The mission, philosophy, and practices of the Rabbit.org Foundation tightly align with The Kerulos Center’s 10 Principles of Being Sanctuary. These principles are grounded in the science and psychology of trauma recovery. We discuss those 10 principles below. We hope to shed some light on how every rabbit caregiver and every rabbit rescuer can use this philosophy to guide care and ethical standards, promoting rabbit health, recovery, and well-being to counteract the effects of exploitation.
Understanding & Knowing
An environment tailored to rabbits.
By learning about rabbits’ natural history, psychology, and individual personalities, we can create a care environment that supports their unique paths to recovery.
Safety
A space of complete physical and psychological security.
Rabbits often face harsh and unstable conditions. Providing them with a safe and secure environment helps them focus on their healing process.
Being Heard
Listening to mental and physical needs through behaviors and mood.
True listening involves understanding and respecting the individual emotions and needs of each rabbit, seeing the world from their perspective.
Acceptance
Promoting dignity and freedom.
Rabbits in commercial settings are often denied the freedom to express themselves without punishment. Embracing their individuality and allowing them to be themselves without fear fosters a culture of acceptance.
Parity
A culture of fairness and reciprocity
To achieve parity, we must respect and support the needs and desires of rabbits, even if they conflict with our own schedules and preferences.
Belonging
Cultivate positive, non-dominating relationships and space that include and connect.
Healing is rooted in love. By fostering non-dominating relationships and a sense of community, we help rabbits find a true sense of belonging.
Trust
Maintaining an absence of threat and cultivating patience and openness.
Healing requires time and trust. Applying the principles of Being Sanctuary helps rabbits feel secure and nurtures their ability to trust, leading to inner peace and joy.
Self-determination
Support self-efficacy, empowerment, and confidence.
Our care and environment should be designed to empower rabbits, allowing them the freedom to make choices and express themselves as they wish.
Assurance
Provide lifelong care and security.
Given that rabbits can live for over ten years, ensuring they have a forever home means planning for their medical needs and continuously enriching their environment throughout their lives.
Beauty
Deeply appreciating nature’s inherent value and wholeness, aligning with Nature, ‘walk in beauty,’ or hozho in Navajo Dineh.
Overcoming deprivation and abuse involves creating environments that nurture individuality and confidence, helping rabbits rediscover their sense of self without fear.
