It was quite a shock.
It was an ordinary day at Highland Wildlife Rescue when someone walked in carrying a popcorn bucket. At first, staff members were puzzled — until they looked inside.
Curled up together in a bed of straw were five tiny wild baby rabbits.
A Nest Disturbed — And No Mom In Sight
The woman who found them had discovered a nest that appeared to have been disturbed. She waited 24 hours to see if the mother would return. When she didn’t, the finder stepped in.
For a few days, she tried to care for the fragile babies herself. However, she soon realized they needed specialized help. So she carefully placed them in a popcorn bucket lined with straw and brought them straight to Highland Wildlife Rescue.
That decision likely saved their lives.
Fragile But Fighting
When the bunnies arrived, they were thin and dehydrated. Staff immediately began warming them and administering fluids and electrolytes before offering formula.
Center manager Jane Wilson worked quickly but gently, giving the tiny rabbits the best possible chance at survival.
Fortunately, the extra care made a difference.
“They’re taking feeds well now, and starting to nibble at grass and hay,” Wilson shared. “We’re hopeful they will all make it back to the wild in spring.”
Meet Treacle, Toffee, Nutmeg, Brownie And Jellybean
The five babies — named Treacle, Toffee, Nutmeg, Brownie and Jellybean — were only about a week old when they arrived. Normally, rabbits stay hidden in their nest with their mother until they are 3 to 4 weeks old.
Now, instead of struggling alone, they are thriving under expert supervision.
A Reminder To Act Quickly
While these five were lucky, Wilson emphasizes that not all wildlife stories end this way.
“Always contact your nearest wildlife rescue immediately,” she advised. “Quick action can make a big difference.”
Thanks to one thoughtful finder and a dedicated rescue team, five tiny rabbits who started their journey in a popcorn bucket now have a real chance to grow up and hop back into the wild where they belong.