We observe the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign from February 15 to April 17. In 2002, the Columbus House Rabbit Society created the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign to raise awareness about the alarming rate of rabbits acquired and disposed of casually during the Easter holiday season. These rabbits end up at shelters and get euthanized or abandoned in the wild at the mercy of predators. The campaign seeks to educate the public against such behaviors and the unique needs of these fragile rabbits. They encourage parents to fight the impulse to buy a live rabbit as an Easter gift and rather opt for plush, chocolate, or literary rabbits. You can also show your support during the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign by wearing a ceramic bunny pin.
History of Make Mine Chocolate
Rabbits are an important part of the Easter holiday celebration. They are at the core of the holiday and even act as the mascot for Easter. It has become common to give live bunnies during this holiday season in recent years. Of course, the downside of this practice is the disposal of the rabbits after Easter. In 2002, the Columbus House Rabbit Society in Ohio, U.S., started the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign to address this issue. The campaign runs from February 15 to April 17.
The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign provides educational information to the public about the realities of living with and caring for rabbits as pets. The campaign also highlights the cruel fate of the abandoned rabbits at shelters and in the wild. The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign has become an international movement with the Chocolate Bunny ceramic pin as its symbol. A wide range of partners and advocates support the campaign’s message and sentiment. One such partner is the Columbus House Rabbit Society’s sister organization, Make Mine Chocolate! U.K. This organization has taken on the responsibility of promoting the campaign message across the U.K.
The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign continues to spread its message of “No live rabbits for Easter!” and encourages parents and the public to opt for giving chocolate rabbits to their friends and family instead of living rabbits. The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign encourages the public to get involved. The Columbus House Rabbit Society also holds events where they educate the public on how to cater to the unique needs of rabbits when adopting them as pets.
Make Mine Chocolate timeline
Rabbits are domesticated for the first time.
The Columbus House Rabbit Society starts the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign.
The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign features in the “New York Times” magazine.
The “Pets in the City” magazine writes an article supporting the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign and responsible pet adoption.
Make Mine Chocolate FAQs
Who made the first giant chocolate bunny?
Robert Strohecker made the first giant chocolate bunny in Germany in the mid-19th century. He displayed a five-foot-tall chocolate rabbit in his store to promote Easter.
Where did chocolate Easter bunnies originate from?
The chocolate Easter bunny originated in Germany but was adopted in America in the 19th century.
Why are chocolate bunnies hollow?
Chocolate bunnies are hollow to allow chocolatiers to make them larger and make them easy to eat.
How to Observe Make Mine Chocolate
Opt for chocolate bunnies
Rather than give live rabbits as a gift during the Easter period, opt for giving chocolate bunnies instead. Or plush or literary bunnies. Anything to protect our little furry friends.
Spread awareness
Join in spreading awareness of the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign by sharing the cause on social media. The more people are aware, the better.
Support the campaign
Support the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign by purchasing high-quality merchandise to spread the “No live bunny for Easter” message. You can purchase merchandise from the Make Mine Chocolate website.
5 Facts About The Benefits Of Purchasing Chocolate Bunnies
Animal welfare
The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign promotes animal welfare, specifically for rabbits.
Helps save on expenses
Compared with chocolates, living rabbits require veterinary care, food, and enclosures, which add up during their lifetime.
Prevents animal cruelty
Four out of five rabbits bought during Easter end up abandoned or in shelters, while very few chocolate bunnies are abandoned.
Buyers’ remorse
Rabbits can live eight to 12 years or longer, which is a long-term commitment compared to chocolate bunnies.
Support a non-profit organization
An all-volunteer non-profit organization started the Make Mine Chocolate Campaign.
Why Make Mine Chocolate is Important
It prevents cruel animal deaths
Domesticated rabbits cannot survive on their own. The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign helps prevent the cruel fate of death abandoned rabbits face after Easter celebrations.
It creates awareness
The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign creates awareness about the cruel fate of abandoned rabbits by utilizing multiple television and radio appearances and social media posts leading up to the Easter holiday. See what you can do on this day to spread awareness.
It educates current and potential rabbit owners
The Make Mine Chocolate Campaign educates the public on the realities of having a rabbit as a pet and discourages giving living rabbits as Easter gifts. They go all out to ensure people know what they’re in for.
Make Mine Chocolate dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 15 | Saturday |
| 2026 | February 15 | Sunday |
| 2027 | February 15 | Monday |
| 2028 | February 15 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | February 15 | Thursday |
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