Kamal Ghorui
In the tranquil setting of the Convent of St. Anthony of Padua, surrounded by stone walls, hidden somewhere in the heart of Spain, morning would usually come amidst prayers whispered softly and the aroma of burning incense. These days, however, the tranquillity of their environment is punctuated by an unusual rhythm, namely that of powerful footsteps, enormous paws thudding on hard ground. For these sisters, their purpose has been transformed into not only tending to spiritual matters but also to doing everything in their power to save lives. This has made the convent gardens home to the Gigante de España, the Spanish Giant rabbit.For many years, the countryside of the Iberian Peninsula provided shelter to this species, distinguished by its calm temperament and ability to survive on local vegetation, thus becoming an integral part of the culture of Spanish agriculture. However, as the farming sector started to change, there appeared a need for fast-developing hybrids which would easily adapt to being raised in crowded conditions. Thus, the giant rabbit lost all its chances, and by the beginning of the new century, purebred specimens had become almost non-existent.Sanctuary behind the stone wallsThe move of the rabbits to the convent was motivated by a desire to preserve this unique species that is part of Spain’s heritage. The sisters realised that their way of life, characterised by patience, regularity, and reverence for nature, was precisely what such a highly-stressed breed required for its successful reproduction. This is not just a pet breed; it is a very strong and heavy species which requires quite spacious surroundings.The justification for this rescue effort is based on hard facts that demonstrate the importance of these specific rabbits to the rest of the world. An important scientific basis for our project was provided by the study done in the Animal Genetic Resources journal. This project was part of the larger program that aimed at studying the genomes of all of Europe’s vanishing local breeds of livestock, placing special emphasis on the Spanish Giant Rabbit, which was considered an indispensable element of Europe’s genetic wealth.
This initiative bridges heritage preservation with scientific recovery, aiming to reintroduce the Spanish Giant to sustainable farms. Image Credits: Lissette Lemus/ Global Sisters Report
Under the recommendations of the study, the sisters are not hunting down rabbits merely for their quantity. They have been taking good care of the breeding stock to ensure that they remain genetically healthy. The nuns have unknowingly become animal breeders themselves, as evidenced by their thorough record-keeping on births and health signals. Thus, what is being referred to as an inventory in the research article becomes a very tangible endeavour, which requires a level of dedication in order to be successful.Faith and science meeting in the middleIt is not only the breed that has benefited from the Gigante de España; the lives of the sisters and the people around them have also been positively impacted. There is an undeniable poetic charm when one imagines a nun in her habits holding a rabbit that looks like a little dog. Tourists who come for their spiritual retreats or to purchase some of the nuns’ handcrafted sweets are often fascinated by the rabbit cages.According to the Global Sisters Report, which has followed the progress of this unique initiative, the convent serves as a rare bridge between local heritage and scientific recovery. The report highlights that the quiet, low-stress environment provided by the sisters is actually one of the most effective environments for high-stress species. When animals feel safe, their success rates for breeding skyrocket. The sisters often speak about how the rabbits have taught them new forms of mindfulness, as the animals respond instantly to the energy and calmness of their keepers.Ultimately, it should be possible to take the Spanish Giant off the list of endangered species and into the hands of local farmers and enthusiasts. For the sisters, this is the ultimate goal – that after stabilising their numbers, they will be able to sell them on to small sustainable farms that place an emphasis on quality rather than quantity. This approach reflects the broader scientific opinion regarding the importance of diversifying food sources.As dusk falls on the hills of northern Spain, the sisters finish their last chores at the rabbit breeding area. This rabbit, the Gigante de España, represents much more than simply the loss of a species, but rather serves as a reminder of what is lost when efficiency prevails. It is with the dedication of some resolute women, along with the well-laid map provided by scientists, that this heritage breed is making a comeback.
