SUNDAY, Oct. 5, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Fifteen young New England cottontail rabbits born at a New York City zoo have been released into the wild in Maine as part of an effort to save the only rabbit species native to New England from disappearing.

Six of the rabbits were released at Fort Foster Park in Kittery, while four others were set free at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge nearby. Another five were introduced on Thacher Island, off the coast of Rockport.

Before their release, each rabbit was given flea and tick medicine and implanted with a tiny microchip for tracking in case they're captured.

“This release marks another important step in the ongoing recovery of the New England cottontail,” said Donna-Mae Butcher , assistant curator of animals at the Queens Zoo. “By workin

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