Bainbridge-Guilford School District Superintendent Timothy Ryan and students welcome their Flemish Giant Rabbit, Nash Bridges. Ryan said the rabbit will be used for social media announcements and eventually will become a therapy rabbit. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH —   A Flemish Giant Rabbit hopping along the streets of Norwich has become the new Bainbridge-Guilford School District office mascot.

On January 15, a gray Flemish Giant Rabbit was discovered on Main Street in Norwich. A passerby saw a vehicle narrowly miss the rabbit along the road and took it to the Norwich Police Department.

Officer Mooney was on duty at the time and accepted the rabbit, placed notices on social media and waited to hear back if anyone was missing the rabbit.

“As police officers, we wear many different hats,” stated Chief Reuben J. Roach. “I’m thankful for officers like Mooney and Burnett, and the incredible job they do.”

Officer Mooney said, “I’m happy that this rabbit has an awesome home now, and I’m proud to see the support ‘Nash’ has received from our community.”

The Director of the Delaware Valley Humane Society Erin Insinga saw the post and called the police station to let them know she would take the bunny off of their hands if no one else claimed him.

No one claimed the rabbit so Insinga picked him up and took him back to the Delaware Valley Humane Society, where the staff prepared his area. 

She explained he was too big for a normal cage so they cleared out the medical closet where he would have plenty of room to romp around and would be close to the office, which is exactly where he proved he wanted to be.

A few days later she said the Bainbridge–Guilford School secretary reached out to inquire about adopting the rabbit for Superintendent Tim Ryan.

"I didn't hesitate," said Insinga. "I've known Superintendent Ryan since I was in school." 

Ryan said they adopted the rabbit on January 18 and immediately created a social media page they will  try  to keep up on daily.

“The feedback, support, and interest for this rabbit has just gone through the roof,” said Ryan. “When we first put his picture on our Facebook page, he quickly received about 400 likes."

“We named him Nash Bridges, after a 90’s TV series where the main character was a police officer and since the police took in the rabbit, I felt his name should be just that," said Ryan.

  “He does look like a 'Nash,’” he added.

  Ryan said they aren’t sure of his age but this breed of rabbit lives to be about 10 to 12 years and said he would guess him to be about 4 or 5 years old. 

He said his weight is at 22 pounds, which is average for a Flemish Giant rabbit and stretches out to be three feet long.

 “Nash loves eating green beans and apples and is litterbox trained," he said. "He spends the day running around the District Office, meeting and greeting everyone as they come through the door.”

 “Nash is very friendly with everyone and hops right up to meet and greet people then gets down and quietly returns to his cage,” said Ryan. “He takes a lot of naps.”

 According to HomeandRoost, the Flemish Giant Rabbit originated in Northern Belgium and is the largest breed of domestic rabbit. It is historically known to be a utility breed used for their fur and meat. 

They carry a heavier weight than other rabbits, causing them to tire easily and are known for their quiet and docile behavior.

 Ryan said once Nash settles in, he’ll take him to the elementary buildings where he reads to the classes and will let him hop around with the students for a certain amount of time.

 “Nash will also be incorporated into some of the programs at the high school, working with the guidance counselors,” he added. 

“I think the one aspect that is important is we're going to use him as a Therapy rabbit to accomplish great things for and with the kids.” 

Nash spends the weeks at school and then Ryan said he’ll take him home on Fridays where he can run around with his cats and then back to school on Monday mornings.   

 He said they are going to create a little graduation cap for Nash, so when June comes he can be in some of their social media announcements to the families.

Ryan said, “Nash is proud to be a Bobcat!”

To follow Nash on his latest adventures, visit Nash the BG Bunny on Instagram.