Alfred Symphorien visits Le Friquet Garden Centre, care homes and the hospital with his Rex Rabbits.
“I think it’s nice for children to be able to interact with the rabbits because sometimes they don’t have any other opportunity to interact with animals,” said Mr Symphorien.
“It’s a great educational tool to teach the children how to handle them and they absolutely love it.”
Pictured: Alfred Symphorien has been showing his rabbits for 12 years.
Mr Symphorien, who has approximately 20 rabbits, also shows the animals.
“I used to have rabbits when I was younger, but it wasn’t until my daughter started showing them about 12 years ago that I decided to show them too,” he said.
“I wanted to share the rabbits with the public because they really make people happy and they’re so friendly and gentle.
“I take them anywhere that asks. I particularly like taking them to the hospital to visit patients with dementia because, when they interact with the rabbits, they light up and they are completely different.
“Sometimes the patients are having particularly bad days and aren’t interested in the rabbits, but when they do interact it sparks conversations and they’re so engaged. It’s really lovely.”
Pictured: One of Alfred Symphorien’s show rabbits.
Mr Symphorien offers the service free of charge.
“I am taking some rabbits to a care home for Easter to do an egg hunt activity for the residents, which I think will be fun,” he said.
“I have also taken them to the Accidental Zoo open day for children to interact with and I am at Le Friquet most Saturdays.
“I let the children at the Accidental Zoo name one of the rabbits. They picked Bart Simpson.”
Pictured: Children with Mr Symphorien’s rabbits at the Accidental Zoo open day.
Mr Symphorien had up to 70 show rabbits at one point and took them to the UK “three of four times” for shows.
“Rabbits are easy to look after, but they are a big commitment if you want them to be friendly because you have to put the time in and handle them every day.
“Sometimes children are nervous about handling them. But I let them feed the rabbits so they can see that they really are very gentle and then the children have confidence to stroke them and handle them more.
“I really enjoy seeing all the smiles from everyone who interacts with the rabbits when I take them out.”
Pictured: Children named this rabbit Bart Simpson.
