United is now facing a new round of internet scorn after a large bunny passed away on a flight from London to Chicago.
Simon the Bunny clocked in at over three feet long and, according to his owner and breeder, was slated to become the world’s biggest bunny. Simon’s breeder, Annette Edward, was transporting him to a “very famous” new owner when Simon passed away during the flight. He was found dead in the plane’s cargo hold. Edward could not explain what happened.
“Simon had a vet’s check-up three hours before the flight and was fit as a fiddle,” she said. “Something very strange has happened and I want to know what. I’ve sent rabbits all around the world and nothing like this has happened before.”
United confirmed in a statement that Simon died on the flight. A spokesperson said the company was “saddened” by the matter and said that the “safety and wellbeing of all the animals that travel with us is of the utmost importance to United Airlines and our PetSafe team.” United did not accept culpability, however, and said it is reviewing the matter.
Simon’s father, Darius, is currently the largest bunny in the world, but he was expected to be outgrown by his son.
Here’s is a picture of how big Darius is, to give you some perspective on how big Simon would have been.
EXCLUSIVE: Valuable giant rabbit dies on United Airlines plane https://t.co/CGQJKjnPCS pic.twitter.com/86Xa5EX32T
— The Sun (@TheSun) April 25, 2017
H/T Fox News
Update 1:15pm CT, April 26: According to the Associated Press, United says Simon the Bunny was alive when the plane touched down but passed away in a holding pen at the airport.
The purchaser of the bunny was an Iowa man who planned to display Simon at the Iowa State Fair. Bryan Bergdale of West Des Moines, Iowa, spoke with the AP and said he was picking up the bunny for his boss.
“We’re still in the mourning process,” Bergdale said.
