The scandal-hit United Airlines is facing another PR crisis after a potentially record-breaking giant rabbit died mysteriously on one of its planes.
The continental giant breed rabbit, Simon, which was 10 months old, died in the cargo section of a Boeing 767 after flying from London to a new celebrity owner in Chicago, the US.
Simon’s breeder Annette Edwards said that the rabbit was expected to become the world’s biggest rabbit, and was healthy before the flight.
Simon /Courtesy Annette Edwards
“Simon had a vet’s check-up three hours before the flight and was fit as a fiddle,” said Edwards. “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.”
Simon appeared to be in good condition when the plane landed at Chicago O'Hare International Airport at 10:25 a.m. The rabbit was then taken to a PetSafe kennel facility inside an airport warehouse around 11 a.m. and was observed to be sleeping, the ABC News cited the airline as saying.
The rabbit seemed to be motionless when it was checked on again shortly after 11 a.m., said the airline. After a thorough inspection, the rabbit was determined to be dead.
Simon’s father Darius /Courtesy Annette Edwards
The incident happened on April 20, but was first exposed on Wednesday by The Sun newspaper.
"We never want that to happen and it's always a sad experience for all involved when an animal passes while in our care," United spokesman Charles Hobart said by telephone on Wednesday.
The cause of death has not yet been determined, and the airline has offered a post-mortem examination on the rabbit to find out the reason, but Edwards declined, said the spokesman.
Hobart said United also offered compensation to the new owner, whom he did not identify, without disclosing the amount.
United said in a statement that it is "saddened" by the news and is investigating what happened.
"The safety and well-being of all the animals that travel with us is of the utmost importance to United Airlines and our PetSafe team," the airline said. "We have been in contact with our customer and have offered assistance. We are reviewing this matter."
United Airlines planes /VCG Photo
Earlier this month, United Airlines sparked online outrage after an Asian doctor was violently dragged off one of its planes, resulting in a broken nose, a concussion and the loss of two front teeth.
And this time, the death of giant rabbit Simon stirred up another outpouring of discussion about United Airlines on Chinese social media platform Weibo.
“Maybe the airline’s patrol dog needed room on the flight and the rabbit refused to give up its seat,” mocked a Weibo user named @bigmaotongxue.
“The airline is trying to tell us that their discrimination is not limited to the Asian, but all species,” commented @Gaojiarongne.
“A new drama to follow! Let us see whether this rabbit can become the last straw for United Airlines,” @Machunchun.
Besides the jokes and criticism, some users said the airline may not be to blame for Simon’s death.
“The rabbit is shy and timid. Maybe Simon is shocked to death and United Airlines is not to blame,” said a user @mmmlll__.
“The animal is too weak. I once had a rabbit and the sound of firecrackers in the New Year frightened it to death,” echoed @Yirannunu.
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