One of Atherton’s resident bunny’s has given birth!
Emir Dizdarevic is Atherton’s electrical and capstone engineering teacher, whose classroom is famous for the two little critters inside. Bunnies Sabrina and Chippy came to Atherton after Dizdarevic’s daughter wanted bunnies. Since then, students can often be found visiting Dizdarevic’s room during lunch, or even during classes to visit the pets.
Dizdarevic notes the positivity and community the bunnies bring.
“They get a lot of attention and it has been nice to bring in new faces who have come to visit,” Dizdarevic said.
Alex Glass (10) is taking Dizdarevic’s electrical engineering class this year. He likes the bunnies for their calming presence.
“I like them. They’re kind of like something to calm everyone down and I remember whenever he first got it, everyone was just hovering around and was just quiet around it,” Glass said.
On February 11th, presumably during 6th period, bunny Sabrina gave birth to 5 babies. Dizdarevic recalls the circumstances.
“It’s hard to tell because it happens quickly. I noticed her nesting during lunch, and I was kind of checking with my wife and the vet during lunch to see if she was pregnant. Next thing I know, when I was packing up to leave there were babies,” Dizdarevic said.
Dizdarevic also notes the ironic events that led up to the surprise birth.
“We were trying to get them [Chippy and Sabrina] neutered and spayed for awhile, but we didn’t get the chance. We had just made arrangements. Chippy just got neutered Wednesday, and she was scheduled to get spayed the day after she gave birth,” said Dizdarevic.
While she had been defensive during the birth, now Sabrina is doing much better.
“She’s great. She’s actually much calmer. We noticed that she was being extra defensive on that day. Since then, she’s much more comfortable now and relaxed. She’s doing a good job being a mamma,” said Dizdarevic.
Sabrina’s babies also seem to be in good health, with Dizdarevic taking advice from Ms. Nall-Crist on how to care for them.
“The babies seem fine. They’re wiggling and have got all their parts. I did some research online to look into it and I got some good advice from Ms. Emily Nall-Crist. They’ve raised a lot of bunnies so they’ve been a lot of help with how to handle the little babies. They seem to be doing good. A couple of them are a little smaller, so we’re trying to separate them to feed them,” Dizdarevic said.
Since the birth, the classroom has had to make some small changes.
“It’s just to reduce the stress and keep it more comfortable. Especially since some of my classes can get loud. So just kind of keeping it quieter and dimming the lights, and not messing with the cage,” Dizdarevic said.
Dizdarevic states his outlook on the surprise. He also notes the students’ excitement at the births, and their good adaptation to the new guidelines.
“We try to avoid it. But you know; acceptance and joy. They’re cute and we will figure it out. I wasn’t looking for that extra responsibility, but now that it’s here there’s nothing else to do but take good care of them and enjoy. There’s a lot of joy and pride. We all kind of feel like grandparents. There are quite a few students who are very excited about it. It’s kind of a fun thing to witness, and it’s an interesting story of classroom bunnies. Everyone’s being very understanding, respectful, and patient. They’ve been doing really well and keeping things quiet,” said Dizdarevic.
While Glass is enthusiastic for the babies, he is disappointed to not see them in the future.
“I’m excited for them, but I’m pretty sure he said he’s not keeping them, so I thought it would be really cool to watch one of them grow up,” Glass said.
Now, Dizdarevic is taking Sabrina and her babies home temporarily, to avoid leaving them alone over the weekend. Though, the bunnies will make an eventual return.
“I’ll bring them back. Chippy will be back next week. For the next couple of weeks at least, we’re gonna try to just let them have some peace at home. They grow up pretty fast though; I will definitely try to bring them all back in when they’re all grown up and not as delicate,” Dizdarevic said.
As for the futures of the baby bunnies, Dizdarevic is prioritizing their health and future well-being, considering giving some to students.
“I don’t intend to keep them, honestly. I haven’t really decided yet. 3 students have asked if they can have one. I’ve kind of put them on the list of first come first serve. Right now, I just want to make sure all of them can make it. I can’t really give them up for at least two months anyway, until they’re weaned off we have to wait. Of course, that’s all contingent on them all making it, checking with parents and guardians, and checking with the home; making sure that they know what they are getting into, are committed to it, and that they have a set place for them. I just want to make sure that they get to a good home,” Dizdarevic said.
Dizdarevic took Sabrina and her babies home for care over the weekend. Unfortunately, over that time, 3 of the 5 baby bunnies passed away, having previously been noticed for being smaller. Though, the rest of the bunnies are doing very well.
The Aerial Staff wishes the 2 little ones to have a healthy and long life. The Aerial Staff sends their condolences for the other babies.
