Lucky rabbit Herbie becomes oldest of his species after doubling life expectancy
A lucky rabbit called Herbie has broken a record after doubling his life expectancy.
The lionhead rabbit was officially recognized as the oldest rabbit living at the age of 15 years 82 days as of 10 November 2025.
The breed usually lives between seven and 10 years.
Herbie in the pet shop in 2010
Herbie in 2011
Herbie is living his best life in Surrey, UK, with his loving owners Richard and Melissa Dunham, who brought him home when he was just eight weeks old.
The couple, who are both teachers, have been keeping rabbits since 2010 and have rescued a number of animals.
Herbie joined the family as a mate for Flopsy after her boyfriend Starsky tragically died.
Herbie and Flopsy in 2012
Herbie, pictured in 2015, loves covering himself in hay
He’d been living in a pet shop for a couple of months when Richard and Melissa brought him to his forever home.
“Flopsy loved him and they bonded quickly and were devoted to each other for 10 years,” Melissa said.
He has a big personality too.
Herbie and Tinks in 2021
Melissa said: “Herbie is particularly alpha and is very bossy! He is incredibly independent and loves my husband to chase him.
“He would binky (a twist and kick jump rabbits do to express happiness) all around the room. Head binkies are his move of choice. He prefers males but has softened over the years in his old age.”
She added: “Herbie has always been very strong-willed and full of character. One of his favourite things when he was younger was being chased by Richard - he would deliberately run off, then stop and wait to be chased again as if it was a game he was controlling.
Herbie and Betty in 2024
“He also had a habit of doing big head binkies around the room, which always made us laugh as he looked so proud of himself afterwards.”
Read about more record-breaking pets in our Animals section.
During his time with the Dunhams, Herbie has had three different rabbit wives. He was with Flopsy for 10 years, then bonded with Tinks after her husband Bertie died age 10, and is now ‘married’ to six-year-old Betty.
When it comes to humans, Herbie has a particularly strong bond with Richard, but loves to snuggle up with both him and Melissa either on the sofa or in the sunshine in the garden, and will even groom them.
When asked if they’re surprised by how long Herbie has lived, Melissa admitted: “Absolutely! He is an amazing little bunny. His spirit is as strong as his determination, and for such a small chap his personality is huge.”
What a good little boy he is!