2026 saw success with its New England cottontail breeding program

The New England cottontail breeding program is having another stellar year in 2026. After three breeding rounds, the program is expected to produce over 30 kits, which will be one of our best years to date.

After our vet team checks them out and vaccinates them, we will release these kits to various sites across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine to augment existing populations.

Our work is supported by many partners across the Northeast, including state wildlife agencies in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We also collaborate closely with academic partners at the University of Rhode Island (URI) and the University of New Hampshire, along with Zoo New England and Queens Zoo

In early spring, as the ground begins to thaw, the rabbit team runs every female through the trial. URI students and researchers then spend hours analyzing the behavioral data and share their findings with the Zoo’s rabbit team. Using these results, staff pair each female with her preferred mate. It’s a labor-intensive first step, but it has significantly increased breeding success.

While not all species show strong mate preferences, rabbits appear to be selective. So, the next time you see a rabbit hopping about, consider how many suitors she evaluated before choosing the one she preferred.

Roger Williams Park Zoo is Rhode Island’s number one outdoor family and tourist attraction, and a leader in conservation efforts undertaken by a zoo of its size. As leaders in conservation and animal care – we create engaging experiences that empower guests to join us in conserving wildlife and wild places. The Rhode Island Zoological Society operates and funds Roger Williams Park Zoo as a partner of the City of Providence, which provides ongoing support. The Zoo is one of many features in historic Roger Williams Park.

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