He took him from Indonesia all the way to Canada.
Francis Metivier traveled to Indonesia expecting to spend his time surfing. Instead, his trip took an unexpected turn when he discovered a neglected rabbit and decided to change the animal’s life.
Metivier first noticed the white rabbit, later named Asa, confined inside a cage hanging above the ground. The rabbit had originally been purchased to amuse a family’s children, but over time, he had been ignored and left without proper care.
Realizing that the animal needed immediate help, Metivier put aside his surfing plans and asked the owner whether he could take the rabbit. She agreed only if he paid for him. Although Metivier disliked the idea of treating animals as possessions, he decided that rescuing Asa was more important in that moment.
Once Asa was released from the cage, Metivier made an ambitious decision: he would bring the rabbit home with him to Canada.
The journey was long and complicated. Asa traveled safely in a box during a short boat trip, followed by an hour-long drive and a 12-hour ferry ride. Afterward, Metivier booked a hotel room so the rabbit could rest and move freely.
For what may have been the first time in his life, Asa was able to explore an open space. He jumped around the room and wandered through the garden as his curious and playful personality began to appear.
Watching Asa finally express himself freely was deeply rewarding for Metivier. He chose the name Asa because it means “hope,” a word that perfectly reflected the rabbit’s new beginning.
Their trip was not over yet. The pair still had to take another boat and board a plane before finally reaching Canada. When they arrived, Asa quickly settled into his new surroundings and began enjoying a safe, comfortable life.
What started as a surfing vacation became an unforgettable rescue mission. Metivier went through an extraordinary journey to protect Asa, and the two have since formed a close and lasting friendship.