In early February, a division of the Scottish SPCA in Glasgow took in a 7-month-old rabbit named Atlas. He was massive for a rabbit, described by a center official on the organization website as "the size of a Westie...with some growing to do."
The rabbit was a type called a Continental Giant, which is a descendant of a breed called the Flemish Giant. They're all, yes, giant in size. The Continentals can weigh up to 50 pounds in some cases and be 4 feet tall and should be regarded as like having a dog.
After the organization sought a home for the giant rabbit by posting on its Twitter page, the story went viral. People in many countries offered to adopt Atlas, who was described on the SPCA's website as "an inquisitive boy who makes everyone laugh with his mischievous character."
The website also noted that oversize accommodations would be in order for the rabbit. Specifically, it said that due to Atlas' breed and size, a standard rabbit hutch wouldn't do - "so his new owner will need plenty of space for him."
Recently the Scottish SPCA reported back that Jen Hislop, 43, from North Ayrshire (an area east of Glasgow) had been selected from hundreds of applicants to adopt Atlas and had taken him home that week. This was described on the SPCA's blog as "a happy ending for Atlas!"
Hislop is a financial fraud investigator and said she has had two giant rabbits before and currently owns a giant cross rex rabbit, Coconut.
Apparently the new pet rabbit is full of energy and doesn't stop running unless he is lying on his huge beanbag, Hislop reported.
Her teen daughter Laurie wheels the rabbit around in a stroller, too.
The hefty-size rabbit has received a name change to Atilla the Bun Binky Master Jazz Paws, although he is called Atty for short.
"It was great there was so much interest in Atlas but we decided to find him a home here in Scotland to avoid a long journey as rabbits are very susceptible to stress," said Anna O'Donnell, manager of the center in Glasgow.
Follow Catherine Arnold on Twitter at @TreesWhales.
