After years confined to the sterile walls of a laboratory, two rabbits named Donna and Figaro finally experienced something most animals take for granted: the feeling of grass beneath their feet and sunlight on their faces. Their journey from lab testing subjects to beloved residents of Woodstock Farm Sanctuary is a powerful reminder of resilience, compassion, and the simple joys that come with freedom. For anyone interested in rabbit rescue stories or the emotional recovery of animals after lab testing, their story offers a deeply moving perspective.
Donna and Figaro spent their entire lives in a laboratory environment, where they were used for testing and breeding. According to The Dodo, the pair had never been treated as individuals, much less allowed to engage in natural behaviors like hopping freely or basking in the sun. That all changed when Save the Buns, an organization dedicated to rescuing rabbits from labs, stepped in and transferred them to the care of Woodstock Farm Sanctuary.
Riki Higgins, a member of the sanctuary team, described how the two rabbits were initially timid and uncertain. Their new surroundings were a stark contrast to the confined, controlled environment they had always known. It was clear that Donna and Figaro had never been outside before, and the transition to sanctuary life was both overwhelming and awe-inspiring for them.
One of the most poignant moments came when their caregivers opened the door to their hutch, inviting them to explore the outdoors for the very first time. Figaro was the first to peek out, cautiously sniffing the fresh air before taking a few tentative hops into the grass. But instead of venturing off alone, he turned back to encourage Donna to join him. This small but powerful gesture highlighted the deep bond between the two rabbits, who had become each other’s constant in a world that had never shown them kindness—until now.
Donna was more hesitant, unsure of what lay beyond the safety of the hutch. But with Figaro’s encouragement, she eventually followed, and the pair began to explore their new backyard together. Higgins noted that they were curious and eager to explore, encouraging one another as they took in the sights, smells, and textures of their expanded world. For the first time, they could hop freely, feel the sun on their fur, and simply be bunnies.
I found this detail striking: the idea that even something as seemingly mundane as grass can be a revelation when it’s never been experienced before. It’s a reminder of how much lab animals sacrifice and how transformative even small freedoms can be when they are finally granted.
Today, Donna and Figaro are thriving. Higgins shared that Donna has become very outgoing, while Figaro remains more reserved. Still, their personalities complement each other. They love to spend time outdoors, leaping around in the open space, and then retreat inside to snuggle together on top of their houses. Their daily routines now include joy, companionship, and the freedom to choose how they spend their time.
The emotional recovery of animals after lab testing is a process that takes time, patience, and compassion. Donna and Figaro’s story exemplifies how sanctuary environments can provide not only physical safety but also emotional healing. The team at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary has made it their mission to help these rabbits make up for lost time, and the results are evident in how far the two have come.
For those moved by this story, there are ways to support the ongoing care of Donna, Figaro, and other animals like them. Woodstock Farm Sanctuary relies on donations to continue its work, offering a second chance to animals who have known only hardship. Every contribution helps provide food, medical care, and the kind of nurturing environment that allows animals to heal and flourish.
Donna and Figaro’s journey from lab cages to sunlit fields is more than just a story of rescue—it’s a testament to what’s possible when animals are seen as individuals with their own personalities, needs, and capacity for joy. Their first steps into the grass marked the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with exploration, affection, and the freedom they had never known before.
