For their entire lives, Donna and Figaro knew only cages, clinical settings, and cold, sterile routines. Used for testing and breeding inside a laboratory, they never got to feel the sun on their fur or the earth beneath their feet — until everything changed.
Thanks to the efforts of Save the Buns, the two rabbits were rescued and transferred to Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, a place dedicated to giving animals the freedom and care they deserve.
“When they arrived, they were timid and unsure,” said Riki Higgins, a team member at Woodstock. “They hadn’t been treated as individuals — just numbers in a system.”
Rescue alert 🚨 Last month we welcomed home two former lab rabbits thanks to our friends at Save the Buns! Please meet our newest rescues, Donna and Figaro. They’ve gone through a long journey to get here. Save the Buns rescued these rabbits from an animal research lab where they were going to be killed. Fortunately Save the Buns was able to step in and rescue them. ❤️ When we agreed to take them, we knew they would need vet attention and short-term boarding while we prepared for them on-site. 🐇🐇 Their boarding and vet care costs prior to arriving here was around $1981. Will you help us cover the costs of their care bills? Please help us give these two a warm Woodstock welcome! 🙂 ❤️ Donate here or on Venmo at Woodstock-Sanctuary! Welcome to a long life of safety, security, and love Donna & Figaro! We are so grateful you’re here. #whywoodstock
At first, the pair was shy and hesitant in their new surroundings. But as the days passed and gentle hands replaced harsh ones, Donna and Figaro began to realize they were finally safe.
Then came a milestone moment: the chance to go outside for the very first time.
A caregiver carefully opened the door to their hutch, revealing a world they had never seen — sunlight, grass, and open sky. Figaro was the first to peek out. He sniffed the air, took a few cautious hops into the grass, then turned around to encourage his best friend to join him.
ICYMI: we welcomed two new buns to the sanctuary, rescued from a research lab! Watch Donna and Figaro exploring their new yard for the first time ❤️ Their journey home took time, money and planning, and we need your help covering their vet and boarding bills. Before arriving at the sanctuary, Donna and Figaro needed to see a vet. This was likely the first time they'd seen a vet, and we needed to ensure they were both healthy enough to be housed in the rabbit barn. We also had to provide short-term boarding for them while we prepared onsite. Rabbits are sensitive and social animals, and they can be very particular about their friendships. We boarded them with our friends at Reenies Rabbit Rescue to ensure they had a safe space to socialize and adjust while we prepared for them here. Please donate to their vet and boarding bills! 🐰 ❤️ For these little survivors, all the hard work is worth it — look at Donna and Figaro exploring their yard! Even though Donna and Figaro are safe, we still have to catch up on the costs we incurred getting them here. 💌 Please give today, here or on Venmo at Woodstock-Sanctuary.
Donna was more hesitant. But with Figaro waiting, she eventually stepped forward, and together, the pair explored their new backyard — hopping, sniffing, and soaking in the simple joy of freedom.
“They were curious, eager to explore, and really encouraged one another,” Higgins said.
In that moment, everything changed for Donna and Figaro. Their world expanded from metal bars to open fields. Now, they spend their days basking in the sun, leaping across the grass, and snuggling close when it’s time to rest.
Woodstock Farm Sanctuary
“Donna’s very outgoing,” Higgins said. “Figaro is a bit more reserved. But they love going outdoors together, then curling up on top of their little houses inside.”
They may have lost time in the lab, but they’ve gained a new life — one full of peace, play, and companionship. And they’ll never have to look back.
