STURGIS, S.D. – The Cadbury Bunny Contest is in full swing and in a heartwarming and inspiring story, a rescued Pekin duck from South Dakota named Ping has become a finalist for 2023.
Ping was rescued by her owner after she was abandoned in a cardboard box on the side of a busy street next to a dumpster. She now has a loving home and is in the running to become the next Cadbury Bunny.
A Pekin duck, (a breed of American duck) should not be confused with Peking duck (a saucy Chinese recipe including duck).
The annual Cadbury Bunny tryouts are a beloved tradition, with animals from all over the country competing for the coveted role. The winner is featured in a Cadbury Easter commercial, and Ping has made it to the final round of the competition. Despite facing tough competition from other adorable rescued animals, Ping has a real shot at it.
Her owner says, “Ping lives for cuddling with her dog siblings, purring, and laying an egg every morning. She feels her best when wearing bling necklaces.”
Ping’s journey from a rescued duck to a finalist for the Cadbury Bunny tryouts is a testament to the power of love and the resilience of animals. She is a shining example of how every animal deserves a chance at a happy and fulfilling life, and her story is sure to inspire others to adopt and rescue animals needing forever homes.
Through March 14, fans can help their favorite rescue pet finalist take home the coveted Cadbury Bunny ears and a starring role in the 2023 Cadbury Clucking Bunny Easter commercial by visiting www.cadbury-tryouts.com to vote. The 2023 Cadbury Bunny will also receive a cash prize of $5,000 for themselves and another $5,000 for the animal shelter of their choice.
Nobunny appreciates the hard work and dedication that goes into the submissions as much as the Cadbury brand. After spending countless hours reviewing the amazing entries, the brand narrowed down the list to the top 10 and is now turning it over to America to vote. Here is a look at the lineup of this year’s rescue pet stars:
Ande: Ande, aka Mr. Anderson, is a 5-year-old chinchilla from Illinois who was named after the Andes Mountains. He was adopted after his previous owners were looking to rehome him. He is full of personality and gives his current owner and those around him little tail wags and smiles, especially when he gets his favorite treats – dried rose petals.
Bodhi: Bodhi, aka Bobo, is a 3-year-old Lionhead bunny from Ohio who steals the hearts of everyone he meets. Bodhi was rescued from a rehabilitation center, after he was not fed for a year, and someone cut off his ear. Bodhi’s favorite activities include eating bananas, taking naps, and making new friends.
Bunny: Bunny, frequently known as BunBun, is a 10-year-old chihuahua from Illinois who was rescued from a hoarding situation. She may be little but has quite the personality, especially when she wears her sweaters and hoodies and plays with her human siblings.
Crash: Crash is an 8-year-old cat from Idaho who was rescued after a devastating car accident, where he was severely injured. As he began to heal, his quirky, friendly, and outgoing personality had everyone falling head over heels for him, eventually becoming his shelter’s resident cat. Crash enjoys treats and sitting in comfy, cozy places, like under computer chairs, to meet and greet people as they go by.
Cypress: Cypress is a 2-year-old North American beaver rescued by a licensed wildlife rehabber from a destroyed dam in Louisiana. Cypress is sassy and sweet which led to her nickname, Diva Beava. She loves playing around with her sister, taking an afternoon swim in the swim tank, and eating carrots.
Hunter: Hunter is a 3-year-old coonhound from Pennsylvania who was adopted by a loving family on Easter day in 2021. Prior to joining his loving family, he was returned by his previous owners to a shelter a few times. However, that didn’t hold him back — he is a fun, lovable dog that loves to be the center of attention, especially when he’s wearing bunny ears.
Ping: Ping Pong is a 1-year-old Pekin duck from South Dakota that was put in a cardboard box and left on the side of a busy street. Ping lives for cuddling with her dog siblings, purring, and laying an egg every morning. She feels her best when wearing bling necklaces.
RedBird: RedBird is a 3-year-old West Virginia-based guinea pig who was one of 36 guinea pigs in a hoarding case. She is blind but that doesn’t hold her back from gossiping with her guinea pig neighbors – she loves to chatter through her cage!
Stewie: Stewie, who sometimes goes by Stewie Vuitton, is a 5-year-old Massachusetts-based small horse with a big heart, always bringing his fun presence to everyone he meets. Stewie loves green apples and going on therapy visits with his fellow animal buddies.
Timmy: Timmy is a California-based 2-year-old Rambouillet sheep who was rescued as an orphan lamb with an infection that prevented him from walking. His determination and strength allowed him to persevere after multiple castings, splints, and wheels, helping him to now walk and run. Timmy’s favorite snack is animal crackers, and he loves to play with his roommate, Poppy the goat.
Vote for Ping here.
