7 Surprising Facts About Bunnies Born Without Ears (The Viral Story Of Van Gogh)

The phenomenon of the "bunny with no ears" has captured the world's attention, and as of December 2025, the latest heartwarming story is centered around a tiny, resilient rabbit named Van Gogh. Born at Smithills Open Farm in Bolton, UK, Van Gogh instantly became a viral sensation after his keepers shared his unique story—a congenital condition left him without his iconic long ears, but his spirit and adorable appearance have made him an icon of cuteness and survival. This article delves into the latest updates on Van Gogh, the biological reasons behind this rare occurrence, and what life is truly like for an earless rabbit. The internet is often flooded with stories of unique animals, but the earless bunny holds a special place, sparking a mix of curiosity, concern, and overwhelming affection. While some past viral stories have been linked to environmental fears, the reality for most of these animals, like Van Gogh, is a rare genetic or developmental quirk that requires special care and awareness.

The Latest Viral Sensations: Van Gogh, Leo, and Mimi

The concept of a rabbit without external ears, or pinnae, is not entirely new to the internet, but the recent stories have brought fresh attention to the topic. These animals become instant celebrities, each with a unique narrative that highlights their resilience.

Van Gogh: The Bolton Bunny with a Crocheted Pair

The most recent and widely reported case is that of Van Gogh, a four-month-old rabbit born at Smithills Open Farm in Bolton, England. * Name: Van Gogh * Location: Smithills Open Farm, Bolton, UK * Condition: Born without external ears (pinnae) * Unique Feature: He was the only one in his litter of kits born without ears. * Viral Story: His owner provided him with a custom-made, adorable crocheted pair of ears to help him "blend in" and provide a visual cue of a normal rabbit. * Status: Thriving and a beloved resident, serving as an ambassador for unique animals.

Leo: The Northern Ireland Sensation

Another recent earless rabbit to go viral is Leo, from Northern Ireland. * Name: Leo * Location: Northern Ireland * Condition: Born without ears, one of eight kits in his litter. * Viral Story: His owner shared his story on social media, quickly gaining international media attention and a massive following.

Mimi: The Tri-Pod Bunny with Custom Headwear

An earlier, equally heartwarming story featured Mimi the rabbit. * Name: Mimi * Condition: Born deaf, with no ears, and also only three legs (tri-pod). * Unique Feature: Her owner created a unique set of crocheted ears for her, similar to Van Gogh's, to give her a visual set of "bunny ears." * Resilience: Mimi’s story emphasizes that even with multiple physical challenges, these rabbits can lead happy, fulfilled lives with proper care.

What Causes a Rabbit to Be Born Without Ears?

The absence of external ears, or pinnae, in a rabbit is a very rare and specific congenital defect. The scientific and veterinary communities generally attribute this condition to one of several factors, often a genetic mutation or a developmental anomaly during gestation.

1. Congenital Defects and Genetics

The most likely cause for an isolated case like Van Gogh is a congenital defect. This means the condition was present from birth, likely due to a random genetic mutation or an error in developmental biology while the kit was in the womb. * Genetic Mutation: A specific gene responsible for the development of the external ear structure (the pinna) may be mutated or absent. This is often a recessive trait, meaning both parents must carry the gene for the kit to express the condition. * Teratogens: Less commonly, exposure to certain environmental factors or toxins (teratogens) during the mother's pregnancy could interfere with fetal development, leading to physical deformities, including the absence of ears. * Developmental Error: The ear structures may simply fail to form correctly during the critical stages of embryonic development.

2. Distinguishing True Aural Absence from Injury

It is crucial to distinguish a rabbit born without ears from a rabbit that has lost its ears due to injury or disease. * Congenital: The rabbit is born with smooth skin where the ears should be, perhaps with only a small, vestigial opening for the ear canal. This is the case for Van Gogh and Leo. * Infanticide/Injury: In some tragic cases, a mother rabbit (doe) may mutilate her newborns, which can sometimes include biting off the ears. This is a behavioral issue, not a congenital one, and the resulting injury looks different from a smooth, naturally earless head.

Life as an Earless Rabbit: Hearing, Balance, and Special Care

The external ear (pinna) in a rabbit serves multiple vital functions: funneling sound, regulating body temperature, and aiding in balance. An earless rabbit, therefore, faces specific challenges that require mindful care from its owner.

3. Hearing and the Inner Ear

The most common misconception is that an earless rabbit is completely deaf. This is not always the case. * External vs. Internal Ear: The absence is typically limited to the pinna (the visible, floppy part). The middle ear and inner ear structures, which contain the cochlea (for hearing) and the vestibular system (for balance), are often intact, though sometimes malformed. * Vibrational Hearing: Rabbits can still perceive sound through vibrations conducted through the skull and body. While their acute, directional hearing is severely compromised, they may still be able to hear loud noises. * Deafness: However, many earless rabbits, like Mimi, are indeed deaf or have severely impaired hearing, making them more reliant on their other senses.

4. Compromised Thermoregulation

Rabbit ears are essential for thermoregulation, the process of regulating body temperature. * Heat Dissipation: Rabbits cannot sweat effectively. Instead, they dissipate excess body heat through the extensive network of blood vessels in their large, thin ears. * Care Requirement: An earless rabbit has a reduced capacity to cool down. Owners must be exceptionally careful to keep them in a cool, well-ventilated environment and monitor them closely during hot weather to prevent heatstroke.

5. The Role of Ears in Balance and Orientation

The inner ear houses the vestibular system, which is crucial for balance and spatial orientation. * Balance Issues: If the inner ear structures are also affected by the congenital defect, the rabbit may exhibit head tilting, difficulty walking straight, or a lack of coordination. * Compensation: Rabbits with only external ear absence (like Van Gogh) may have normal balance, but those with inner ear abnormalities will need a safe, flat enclosure to prevent injury from accidental falls or spins.

6. The Emotional and Social Impact

These unique rabbits often require extra socialization and a calm environment. * Startle Reflex: Because they cannot localize sound as well, they are easily startled by sudden movements or noises. Approaching them slowly and speaking softly is key. * Crocheted Ears: The trend of providing crocheted ears, as seen with Van Gogh and Mimi, is a sweet gesture that offers a visual normalcy and allows the owners to express their love, even if the ears serve no practical biological purpose.

7. The Enduring Myth of Environmental Contamination

While the stories of Van Gogh and Leo are purely biological, the phrase "bunny with no ears" once carried a much darker connotation. In 2011, a video of an earless rabbit supposedly born near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster site in Japan went viral, fueling global fears of radiation-induced mutations. * The Fukushima Rabbit: This story, though widely circulated, was never definitively proven to be a direct result of radiation. Many experts pointed out that congenital defects occur naturally and are often random. * Modern Context: Today, the narrative has shifted. While the Japanese incident highlighted the potential for environmental impact, the current viral stories focus on the individual animal's resilience and the loving care they receive, turning a rare defect into a symbol of hope and uniqueness. The stories of Van Gogh, Leo, and Mimi remind us that life finds a way, even with a few parts missing. These adorable, resilient creatures prove that a rabbit doesn't need its iconic ears to capture hearts worldwide, only a loving home and dedicated caregivers.