Attention pet lovers! San Francisco’s most famous rabbit, Alex the Great, has been honored with a new rescue-focused bunny cafe, that features rescued and adoptable bunnies ready to give an receive all the love you have to spare.
The Life & Legacy of Alex the Great
“Alex the Great” was a famous therapy rabbit in San Francisco. Born on a meat farm in Modesto, California, Alex was rescued by a young couple in December, 2020, when he was three weeks old.
The couple have stated they searched for a Flemish Giant rabbit specifically, because they wanted a docile rabbit to use while doing volunteer work. They then began training him as a therapy animal in February 2021. It was also 2021 when the couple brought Alex to a San Francisco Giants baseball game for the first time, dressed in a bowtie with the team’s colors. Alex and his mom were spotted and interviewed, and his appearance went viral.
The Giants invited Alex back and he became a regular attendee at Oracle Park, the team’s home field, where he became well known as the team’s unofficial “Rally Rabbit” due to a series of wins the team made whilst Alex was in attendance. In 2023, Alex “threw” a ceremonial first pitch with the help of his dad and a pitching machine at a game with the Reno Aces.
When at public events, he would either be driven in a buggy or drive a child’s toy car that his adoptive dad had customized for the rabbit, with a button that allowed the rabbit partial control. The car had a license plate reading “ALEX” and a remote allowing a human to control it. In addition to the car, his parents also made Alex rabbit-sized hats to wear.
In 2022, Alex the Great was employed by the San Francisco International Airport as part of their “Wag Brigade”—a set of animals that visited the airport to comfort nervous travelers. He was the first rabbit ever to be used in the program, which also included dogs, a one-eyed cockapoo, and a pig. Alex later performed similar tasks at San Jose Mineta International Airport. Alex “autographed” business cards made for him by the San Francisco Airport by biting the corners.
Alex also made myriad appearances at charity events, hospitals, and even in ad campaigns. In May 2025, he had 100,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok. Baseball card manufacturer Topps even announced plans to make a trading card featuring the bunny, which was to be released late in 2025.
Sadly, on July 21, 2025, Alex’s owners confirmed he had died earlier that day after being diagnosed with cancer; the rabbit had been receiving treatment at the UC Davis Veterinary Hospital and was four years old at the time of his death.
The Bunny Cafe SF
Now, the adoptive parents of “Alex the Great” have decided to honor their beloved bunny and continue the therapy work of the late 30-lb. Flemish Giant rabbit by opening the cafe as a rescue and adoption center for bunnies from shelters.
According to their website, “we work closely with local rescues to facilitate events that emphasize education, responsible pet ownership, and a calm atmosphere for the animals. This approach aims to reduce stress for the rabbits and provide meaningful interactions for guests. We have designated quiet areas, educational workshops on rabbit care/well-being, and opportunities for one-on-one interactions with rabbits.”
“Our belief is that this approach can significantly benefit local rabbit rescues by increasing adoption rates and promoting proper care, while also offering the community a unique and positive adoption/fostering experience. Furthermore, we want to serve as a place for community members who are unable to own pets but want the comfort, companionship and love that rabbits can provide.”
The Bunny Cafe SF is located in Fisherman’s Wharf, and is currently doing its soft opening.
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Photo Credit: Eric Isselee / Shutterstock.com