Mill Valley Woman Rescues 5,000 Rabbits in 27 Years

In 1999, Marcy Berman rescued a white rabbit that a family no longer wanted. That single act of kindness changed her life forever.

The Mill Valley resident left her career as a Fortune 100 marketing executive to dive deep into rabbit rescue. She founded SaveABunny, a nonprofit that has rehabilitated and rehomed more than 5,000 bunnies over 27 years.

Berman takes in the rabbits no one else wants. Some were thrown from cars, others survived being set on fire, and many spent their entire lives in tiny laboratory cages without ever experiencing play or affection. She even rescues rabbits saved from meat hoarding situations and ones in danger of euthanasia at other shelters.

"I joke around, 'Do you have one-eyed, old, gooey, cranky three-legged bunnies?' We love them," Berman said. "They're so resilient."

The shelter provides full medical care, spaying and neutering, plus acupuncture, Reiki, and chiropractic healing when needed. Each rabbit costs $300 to $500 to rehabilitate, but SaveABunny only charges $120 in adoption fees. Donations make up the difference.

Sunny's Take

What makes SaveABunny special isn't just the thousands of lives saved. It's how Berman ensures each rabbit finds the perfect match.

Signs at the entrance ask visitors, "Are you ready to meet the love of your life?" Longtime volunteer Jill Harris explains that adopters don't choose their bunny based on looks. They get matched with the rabbit they truly need, creating connections that last.

Some rabbits who survived the worst trauma become ambassador bunnies, visiting hospice patients and bringing comfort to people at the end of their lives. The ones who were once broken now help heal others.

About 100 to 200 rabbits find forever homes each year, a 75% adoption rate. Berman warns against impulsive Easter bunny purchases, knowing too well what happens when the novelty wears off.

After nearly three decades, Berman's mission remains simple: make sure every rabbit feels seen and treasured for exactly who they are.