Updated: August 26, 2019 10:17 AM
Every Easter bunny rabbits get placed into the spotlight. Now, one Minnesota teenager is giving attention to a bunch of bunnies all year long.
Fifteen-year-old Caleb Smith is using the animals to help others and give cottontails a beautiful summer home.
Smith started a nonprofit to train bunnies as comfort animals.
"It's a little bit different to see rabbits, but it kind of makes sense, they're just really calm social animals," Smith said.
Last summer, Smith leased an island on the Mississippi River near Inver Grove Heights so people could freely interact with the bunnies.
When the island went up for sale, Smith bought the 22 acres and named it Peacebunny Island.
"Talked to investors and they helped me purchase the island, so I have a mortage right now," Smith said.
Smith takes the comfort bunnies to classrooms, senior homes, and to other groups who suffered tragedy.
Smith is bringing his comfort bunnies to the State Fair.
If you want to check them out, they'll be at the Sheep and Poultry Barn from Friday, August 30th through Labor Day.
Learn more about Peacebunny Island here.
Updated: August 26, 2019 10:17 AM
Published: August 20, 2019 12:00 AM
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