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Animals Rescued From Labs Become Magic Models In Alice-In-Wonderland Photoshoot

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Rabbits, mice, rats and guinea pigs rescued from labs or cases of mistreatment by Italian charity La Collina dei Conigli ONLUS have become magical models for a photo-shoot inspired by the famous novel “Alice in Wonderland.”

This was the special idea of volunteer Attilia Conti to celebrate the first 10 years of the charity’s operation. Why Alice? Because both the novel and this charity “started with a White Rabbit.”

I took these pictures at the rescue center in Monza, near Milan, during the first weekend of September with help from volunteers Attilia, Eleonora and Fulvio. I’m not a professional photographer, but photography is my greatest passion and I’m always available to volunteer for animal shelters with my camera!

Mice were the most cooperative models, while guinea pigs were the laziest (they stayed still only with food present). Rats were the most attractive, and rabbits… were the most disapproving. Some of the pictures were used in the charity’s 2015 calendar, which helps raise funds for hundreds and hundreds of rescued animal.

Many of them are still looking for their new homes, so if you live in Italy, you can adopt one.

More info: lacollinadeiconigli.it | Facebook | 500px

The Cater Mouse

Animals Rescued From Labs Become Magic Models In Alice-In-Wonderland Photoshoot

Giuseppe Rossi was rescued by the Italian charity together with dozens of other mice after their lab finished testing. If La Collina dei Conigli had not saved them, they would have been put to sleep.

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The March Hare

Animals Rescued From Labs Become Magic Models In Alice-In-Wonderland Photoshoot

Indiana Jane is so tiny that she fell off a truck full of rabbits destined for the meat market. We guess that her mother and siblings were on that truck too.

The Dormouse

Animals Rescued From Labs Become Magic Models In Alice-In-Wonderland Photoshoot

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This little mouse was destined to become snake food.

Playing with cards

Animals Rescued From Labs Become Magic Models In Alice-In-Wonderland Photoshoot

Guinea pigs are ready to play.

Through the Looking-Glass

Animals Rescued From Labs Become Magic Models In Alice-In-Wonderland Photoshoot

Pet rabbit Nilo was found abandoned, with rear legs paralyzed. Luckily, appropriate care and rehabilitation allowed him to stand and jump again.

Eat me, Drink me

Animals Rescued From Labs Become Magic Models In Alice-In-Wonderland Photoshoot

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Nissa the pet rabbit was rescued from a bad case of mistreatment. She was safe when she gave birth to mini-me Matteo.

The White Rabbit

Animals Rescued From Labs Become Magic Models In Alice-In-Wonderland Photoshoot

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Console Marcello is a New Zealand rabbit used in lab testing, as you can guess from the number tattooed on his ear. He’s still looking for a lovely home.

Cheshire Rats

Animals Rescued From Labs Become Magic Models In Alice-In-Wonderland Photoshoot

All of these rats were rescued after being used in lab tests.

The Queen of Hearts

Animals Rescued From Labs Become Magic Models In Alice-In-Wonderland Photoshoot

Her Majesty Neda. She was adopted right after the photo-shoot.

Gardener Corallo

Animals Rescued From Labs Become Magic Models In Alice-In-Wonderland Photoshoot

Did you know that rats are great painters? And they’re full of style too.

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Tweedledum and Tweedledee

Animals Rescued From Labs Become Magic Models In Alice-In-Wonderland Photoshoot

Guinea Pigs are great models – just give them food, and everything will be alright.

Crazy run

Animals Rescued From Labs Become Magic Models In Alice-In-Wonderland Photoshoot

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9 baby rat sisters running in circles. Can you imagine something cuter than this?

Curiouser and Curiouser

Animals Rescued From Labs Become Magic Models In Alice-In-Wonderland Photoshoot

The nose to kiss.

Roses

Animals Rescued From Labs Become Magic Models In Alice-In-Wonderland Photoshoot

Who will paint roses for the Queen?

Down The Rabbit Hole

Animals Rescued From Labs Become Magic Models In Alice-In-Wonderland Photoshoot

So, are you ready to follow the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole?

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129Kviews

Rachele Totaro

Born in the 80s, vegan, animal lover, alt-rock listener, and more optimist than I could ever admit. Photography makes me happy. I love poppies too!

Born in the 80s, vegan, animal lover, alt-rock listener, and more optimist than I could ever admit. Photography makes me happy. I love poppies too!

What do you think ?

SandyBlack 9 years ago

What a wonderful way to show rescued lab animals - loving and caring as it should be. let's hope animal experimentation will soon disappear

45points

JerryMicheal 9 years ago

unfortunately, it won't soon http://bit.ly/1Cedk7k

2points

Load More Replies...

Aroc91 9 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

SandyBlack 9 years ago

I love the fact that lab animals are being rescued and shown in positive, loving ways. Don't experiment on animals!

32points

JennyJozwiak 9 years ago

I found Winston, my pet rat, abandoned in the park. He is so sweet and smart. I just love him!

29points

JaneSorensen 9 years ago

I wish I'd thought of it first. What a wonderful way to rescue rodents and rabbits!

11points

SusanSobon 9 years ago

the red eye on gardner carallo looks like a gemstone~

10points

BenFewkes 9 years ago

Awesome!

8points

chachkimooch 9 years ago

Awwwww!!!

6points

AngelitaWhite 9 years ago

Cute

5points

CLinBLACK 9 years ago

Such a cutie. Damn those who mistreated them.

3points

JayneMajor 9 years ago

Fantastic photos. A well deserved cause. Thank you for rescuing these animals.

2points

IzabelaCiri 9 years ago

All of them are just... Wonderful!!! Great idea, nice arrangment of photographed objects, very good photos. Down the rabbit hole --> so cute

2points

BeckyKallenberger 9 years ago

Very unique idea. Photos are very well done and all for a good cause! Nice.

2points

AliceShe'sStoned 9 years ago

<3 <3 <3

2points

TanyaNegrey 9 years ago

Absolutely brilliant! What a beautiful and imaginative way to showcase these fur-hearts and raise awareness to the issue of animal testing.

1point

SaraMann 9 years ago

What A great idea,and A way for people to see the pets for adoption!

1point

BarryRobinson 9 years ago

Some of these are real genius :-)

1point

BarryRobinson 9 years ago

This is genius :-)

1point

KaraGrewach 9 years ago

Adorable amd so happy that these precious animals were rescued. I absolutely love rabbits

1point

LeahHassan 9 years ago

Absolutely utterly gorgeous!!! Just breathtaking and to make it even better it's saved/rescued animals. I LOVE this so much! ❤

1point

JillianBennett 9 years ago

Console Marcello, I keep posting, but I cannot seem to get a post to show up. I have a loving home for him in AZ, Phoenix. Please contact.

1point

MaryCollins-Lyman 9 years ago

Love it!!...absolutely precious!!

1point

JillianBennett 9 years ago

Console Marcello. I would like to adopt him. Please let me know. I lost my two bunnies due to old age, miss them every day. PHX, AZ USA

1point

ArdentisTotmacher 9 years ago

Leave the animals alone. To ensure the best accuracy possible, test on human subjects - convicted, violent felons.

1point

SDawson 9 years ago

I looove this!!!!! <3

1point

Ashligug 9 years ago

Love it! Testing should be done on prisoners and terriost!!!

1point

Wondersense 9 years ago

Beautiful photos and a great project to work on :)

1point

StephanieAnielskiLodge 9 years ago

i LOVE these photos and i love even more that all of these babies were saved. adopt DONT SHOP

1point

KrisztyHegedus 9 years ago

Fabulous!! How wonderful and sweet!<3

1point

Xantha 9 years ago

Hi Rachele, I work for a news agency and we love these photographs. Could you please email xantha@deadlinenews.co.uk? Thanks!

1point

AmandaEigenbrodt 9 years ago

Is there a way to contact these fine folks,because I would gladly adopt mr concole Marcelo in a heartbeat! He's perfect!

1point

HappyHazel 9 years ago

So sweet <3 What a beautiful animals :)

1point

PatyMaciel 9 years ago

Awwwwwwww

1point

Tia-marieSchaeffer 9 years ago

I hope it wasn't hard for the photographer to find homes for all the lovely babies after

1point

AllisonGriffiths 9 years ago

How Lovely x

1point

AngieJaenke 9 years ago

i LOVE this!

1point

DebbieAnderson 9 years ago

Most of them you can see the sadness in their eyes..What they have been thru...Torture a living being is evil. Vivisectors are the devil

1point

9 years ago

I love it!! I'm so glad these animals have a good life <3

1point

MelodyLee 9 years ago

I love the theme! My favourite is The White Rabbit, because it also reveals his background. It's so sad though :(

1point

SarahPaulson 9 years ago

Adorable <3

1point

AlmostSynthetic 9 years ago

Wonderful! No to lab testing, yes to tea parties!

1point

MayaAb 9 years ago

God I want a rat, a white one!!

1point

AnaGrosso 9 years ago

cute

1point

JaninePurss-Jacobs 9 years ago

I think they are absolutely beautiful. These photographs with the Alice in Wonderland theme are gentle, unique and creative. Well done.

1point

LaurieBarak 9 years ago

I hope all of these animals found good homes. The white bunny with black "eyeliner" is my favorite!

1point

EstherJulian 8 years ago

found the tattoo on the inside of that rabbit's ear disturbing../.. reminded me of the holocaust... which is basically what is happening atm to these critters.

0points

♫HB♫ 9 years ago

This was so sweet! What an awesome way to show these poor little guys. I love the backgrounds and props!

0points

RoseFarmer 9 years ago

We don't need to animal test. The Indians lived clean and healthy and didn't torture animals. I agree with Shelly Easton Dorgan.

0points

9 years ago

Love this!! I am a fan of said rodents and these pictures are very beautiful! Kudos to the photographers and the kind hearted individuals.

0points

SAM71 9 years ago

This IS the Loveliest thing I have seen in Ages. Beautiful animals, Beautiful photos. Rachele, You have a gift you Must pursue ! X

0points

9 years ago

I love this so much, really heart warming and the pictures are amazing! Would love a calendar featuring these photos!

0points

MaryFinelli 9 years ago

Thank goodness these victims were rescued. Harmful animal experimentation is immoral.

0points

SylvieKaos 9 years ago

Truly beautiful.

0points

EmmaCross 9 years ago

Love this

0points

ChristineBarone 9 years ago

Beautiful! I love it~ Thumbs up to you!

0points

MindyVanneck 9 years ago

Brilliantly done! I wish i were in Italy, i would take all the rats!

0points

NancyFurstinger 9 years ago

I love this calendar! I rescue and write about rabbits, plus Alice in Wonderland is my fave book. Can the calendar be purchased in the USA?

0points

TheodorePapotheodore 9 years ago

Really cute!! Thanks for saving these little guys, bet they thank you too. Wish I did live in Italy , I would definitely adopt some of them

0points

MartaKulesza 9 years ago

beautifull :*

0points

AmandaZ 9 years ago

Unless the lab consented, they were not rescued, they were stolen. If they did consent, they weren't rescued, they were given a home.

0points

Ja2theMo 9 years ago

Why would you even go there? Have you run out of snarky comments? What is your motive for making such an unfounded accusation?

0points

Load More Replies...

Anna Joanna 9 years ago

Myślę, że żaden powód nie usprawiedliwia okrutnego cierpienia zwierząt laboratoryjnych. Zwłaszcza w XXI w. A zdjęcia są zachwycające!

0points

Tamara Tan 9 years ago

Why are they all white?

0points

9 years ago

hy

0points

Xantha 9 years ago

Hi Rachele, I work for a news agency and we love these photographs. Could you please email xantha@deadlinenews.co.uk? Thanks!

0points

MartaJanisz 9 years ago

animals are different creatures than human so testing on them is not good. medicine which don't hurt rat can be dangerous for people

0points

Roger Sullivan 9 years ago

can check DNA, but can't check for bad stuff in a product without testing it out on something that alive..whats up with that...

0points

straylight 9 years ago

I'd be curious to know what these animals were being used to test. There's a good reason why most need to be killed after the experiment.

0points

Ana Karencita Wonka 9 years ago

Es una pena que aún se utilicen animales como estos para la experimentación... si avanzamos tanto tecnológicamente, ¿porqué no como humanos?

0points

Vic Atori 9 years ago

Amazing idea.. so sad but beautiful and powerful in the end

0points

BeaSaal 9 years ago

Just lovely! Who can be so cruel to use these animals for tests or kill them? I can't understand... Great pictures!

0points

SandyBlack 9 years ago

What a wonderful way to show rescued lab animals - loving and caring as it should be. let's hope animal experimentation will soon disappear

45points

JerryMicheal 9 years ago

unfortunately, it won't soon http://bit.ly/1Cedk7k

2points

Load More Replies...

Aroc91 9 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

SandyBlack 9 years ago

I love the fact that lab animals are being rescued and shown in positive, loving ways. Don't experiment on animals!

32points

JennyJozwiak 9 years ago

I found Winston, my pet rat, abandoned in the park. He is so sweet and smart. I just love him!

29points

JaneSorensen 9 years ago

I wish I'd thought of it first. What a wonderful way to rescue rodents and rabbits!

11points

SusanSobon 9 years ago

the red eye on gardner carallo looks like a gemstone~

10points

BenFewkes 9 years ago

Awesome!

8points

chachkimooch 9 years ago

Awwwww!!!

6points

AngelitaWhite 9 years ago

Cute

5points

CLinBLACK 9 years ago

Such a cutie. Damn those who mistreated them.

3points

JayneMajor 9 years ago

Fantastic photos. A well deserved cause. Thank you for rescuing these animals.

2points

IzabelaCiri 9 years ago

All of them are just... Wonderful!!! Great idea, nice arrangment of photographed objects, very good photos. Down the rabbit hole --> so cute

2points

BeckyKallenberger 9 years ago

Very unique idea. Photos are very well done and all for a good cause! Nice.

2points

AliceShe'sStoned 9 years ago

<3 <3 <3

2points

TanyaNegrey 9 years ago

Absolutely brilliant! What a beautiful and imaginative way to showcase these fur-hearts and raise awareness to the issue of animal testing.

1point

SaraMann 9 years ago

What A great idea,and A way for people to see the pets for adoption!

1point

BarryRobinson 9 years ago

Some of these are real genius :-)

1point

BarryRobinson 9 years ago

This is genius :-)

1point

KaraGrewach 9 years ago

Adorable amd so happy that these precious animals were rescued. I absolutely love rabbits

1point

LeahHassan 9 years ago

Absolutely utterly gorgeous!!! Just breathtaking and to make it even better it's saved/rescued animals. I LOVE this so much! ❤

1point

JillianBennett 9 years ago

Console Marcello, I keep posting, but I cannot seem to get a post to show up. I have a loving home for him in AZ, Phoenix. Please contact.

1point

MaryCollins-Lyman 9 years ago

Love it!!...absolutely precious!!

1point

JillianBennett 9 years ago

Console Marcello. I would like to adopt him. Please let me know. I lost my two bunnies due to old age, miss them every day. PHX, AZ USA

1point

ArdentisTotmacher 9 years ago

Leave the animals alone. To ensure the best accuracy possible, test on human subjects - convicted, violent felons.

1point

SDawson 9 years ago

I looove this!!!!! <3

1point

Ashligug 9 years ago

Love it! Testing should be done on prisoners and terriost!!!

1point

Wondersense 9 years ago

Beautiful photos and a great project to work on :)

1point

StephanieAnielskiLodge 9 years ago

i LOVE these photos and i love even more that all of these babies were saved. adopt DONT SHOP

1point

KrisztyHegedus 9 years ago

Fabulous!! How wonderful and sweet!<3

1point

Xantha 9 years ago

Hi Rachele, I work for a news agency and we love these photographs. Could you please email xantha@deadlinenews.co.uk? Thanks!

1point

AmandaEigenbrodt 9 years ago

Is there a way to contact these fine folks,because I would gladly adopt mr concole Marcelo in a heartbeat! He's perfect!

1point

HappyHazel 9 years ago

So sweet <3 What a beautiful animals :)

1point

PatyMaciel 9 years ago

Awwwwwwww

1point

Tia-marieSchaeffer 9 years ago

I hope it wasn't hard for the photographer to find homes for all the lovely babies after

1point

AllisonGriffiths 9 years ago

How Lovely x

1point

AngieJaenke 9 years ago

i LOVE this!

1point

DebbieAnderson 9 years ago

Most of them you can see the sadness in their eyes..What they have been thru...Torture a living being is evil. Vivisectors are the devil

1point

9 years ago

I love it!! I'm so glad these animals have a good life <3

1point

MelodyLee 9 years ago

I love the theme! My favourite is The White Rabbit, because it also reveals his background. It's so sad though :(

1point

SarahPaulson 9 years ago

Adorable <3

1point

AlmostSynthetic 9 years ago

Wonderful! No to lab testing, yes to tea parties!

1point

MayaAb 9 years ago

God I want a rat, a white one!!

1point

AnaGrosso 9 years ago

cute

1point

JaninePurss-Jacobs 9 years ago

I think they are absolutely beautiful. These photographs with the Alice in Wonderland theme are gentle, unique and creative. Well done.

1point

LaurieBarak 9 years ago

I hope all of these animals found good homes. The white bunny with black "eyeliner" is my favorite!

1point

EstherJulian 8 years ago

found the tattoo on the inside of that rabbit's ear disturbing../.. reminded me of the holocaust... which is basically what is happening atm to these critters.

0points

♫HB♫ 9 years ago

This was so sweet! What an awesome way to show these poor little guys. I love the backgrounds and props!

0points

RoseFarmer 9 years ago

We don't need to animal test. The Indians lived clean and healthy and didn't torture animals. I agree with Shelly Easton Dorgan.

0points

9 years ago

Love this!! I am a fan of said rodents and these pictures are very beautiful! Kudos to the photographers and the kind hearted individuals.

0points

SAM71 9 years ago

This IS the Loveliest thing I have seen in Ages. Beautiful animals, Beautiful photos. Rachele, You have a gift you Must pursue ! X

0points

9 years ago

I love this so much, really heart warming and the pictures are amazing! Would love a calendar featuring these photos!

0points

MaryFinelli 9 years ago

Thank goodness these victims were rescued. Harmful animal experimentation is immoral.

0points

SylvieKaos 9 years ago

Truly beautiful.

0points

EmmaCross 9 years ago

Love this

0points

ChristineBarone 9 years ago

Beautiful! I love it~ Thumbs up to you!

0points

MindyVanneck 9 years ago

Brilliantly done! I wish i were in Italy, i would take all the rats!

0points

NancyFurstinger 9 years ago

I love this calendar! I rescue and write about rabbits, plus Alice in Wonderland is my fave book. Can the calendar be purchased in the USA?

0points

TheodorePapotheodore 9 years ago

Really cute!! Thanks for saving these little guys, bet they thank you too. Wish I did live in Italy , I would definitely adopt some of them

0points

MartaKulesza 9 years ago

beautifull :*

0points

AmandaZ 9 years ago

Unless the lab consented, they were not rescued, they were stolen. If they did consent, they weren't rescued, they were given a home.

0points

Ja2theMo 9 years ago

Why would you even go there? Have you run out of snarky comments? What is your motive for making such an unfounded accusation?

0points

Load More Replies...

Anna Joanna 9 years ago

Myślę, że żaden powód nie usprawiedliwia okrutnego cierpienia zwierząt laboratoryjnych. Zwłaszcza w XXI w. A zdjęcia są zachwycające!

0points

Tamara Tan 9 years ago

Why are they all white?

0points

9 years ago

hy

0points

Xantha 9 years ago

Hi Rachele, I work for a news agency and we love these photographs. Could you please email xantha@deadlinenews.co.uk? Thanks!

0points

MartaJanisz 9 years ago

animals are different creatures than human so testing on them is not good. medicine which don't hurt rat can be dangerous for people

0points

Roger Sullivan 9 years ago

can check DNA, but can't check for bad stuff in a product without testing it out on something that alive..whats up with that...

0points

straylight 9 years ago

I'd be curious to know what these animals were being used to test. There's a good reason why most need to be killed after the experiment.

0points

Ana Karencita Wonka 9 years ago

Es una pena que aún se utilicen animales como estos para la experimentación... si avanzamos tanto tecnológicamente, ¿porqué no como humanos?

0points

Vic Atori 9 years ago

Amazing idea.. so sad but beautiful and powerful in the end

0points

BeaSaal 9 years ago

Just lovely! Who can be so cruel to use these animals for tests or kill them? I can't understand... Great pictures!

0points

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