Six adorable baby rabbits are being given intensive care by an animal charity after being rescued from under a truck in a north-east town.
The newly-born bunnies, believed to be the result of a cross between a wild rabbit and a domestic species, were found by a Fraserburgh family on Sunday.
They were scattered beneath the vehicle and left to fend for themselves but have now been given a second chance at life after being handed over to an Ellon refuge.
New Arc took in the animals, which are not yet able to open their own eyes, and have been trying to nurture them back to full health.
The charity’s manager, Keith Marley, last night said a dog or cat may have disturbed a nearby den causing the animals to flee.
Some had scratches and scrapes from an apparent run-in with a predator.
He said: “It looks like a domestic rabbit has gotten loose at some point and interbred.
“The people who found them said they were scattered about under the truck, so it may have been a dog that disturbed their nest.
“They did leave them for a bit, but there was no sign of mum so they would have died if they were left overnight.
“All were very dehydrated and cold when we got them, and there’s still no guarantees that they’ll all make it.
“When they’re that small, you don’t know what might have shut down system wise, but we’re a lot happier with them now.
“Five of them look very good and there’s one that’s still a bit ropey – but we’re nursing it along.”
The rabbits are expected to stay with the charity until healthy enough to be released.
Efforts to create a purpose-built animal hospital to help care for the creatures the New Arc supports, meanwhile, continues.
So far, £18,000 has been raised to complete the project.
Donations towards the scheme can be made online at www.justgiving.com/newarc
