Bring back Darius: £1,000 reward offered after world’s biggest rabbit is stolen

The world’s biggest rabbit has been reported stolen, as his owner offers a £1,000 reward for his safe return.

Darius, a Continental Giant rabbit who is aged 11, was discovered missing early on Sunday morning by his owner Annette Edwards at her home in Stoulton, Worcestershire.

Darius holds a Guinness World Record as the world’s biggest bunny, with a length of 4ft and 3in, while weighing in at 35 pounds.

Ms Edwards, 68, a former Playboy model, said that she was devastated to learn of Darius’ disappearance over the weekend.

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“Every animal is an individual that can’t be replaced, and it’s just so upsetting because he is such a lovable character,” Ms Edwards said.

“He is a very fit bunny for his age and up until a couple of years ago he was doing appearances all over the country.

“I have offered a £1,000 reward and don’t mind how he is returned, I just want that bunny back. As he’s got older, he’s on a special diet instead of the normal food he used to be on, and without that special diet he will die.”

Darius was something of a television celebrity in his younger years, making appearances on breakfast television and Alan Titchmarsh’s gardening shows prior to retiring in 2018.

His offspring have sold for as much as £250, while last year his son Lewis was tipped to outgrow his father when he ballooned to 4ft.

Ms Edwards has owned more than 100 rabbits in recent years, and her fascination with the animals saw her spend £10,000 in an attempt to look like cartoon pin-up Jessica Rabbit.

In a statement, West Mercia Police said: “We are appealing for information following the theft of an award winning rabbit from its home in Stoulton, Worcestershire.

“It is believed the Continental Giant rabbit was stolen from its enclosure in the garden of the property of its owners overnight on Saturday.

“The rabbit is quite unique in the fact it is 4ft in size and has been awarded a Guinness Record for being the biggest rabbit in the world.”

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