Alex the Great (rabbit)
Flemish Giant rabbit (2020–2025)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alex the Great (November 2020 – July 21, 2025) was an American-born Flemish Giant rabbit known for his appearances at sporting events held at Oracle Park and his association with the San Francisco Giants baseball team. He was born on a meat farm in California, USA, and later adopted at a young age by a couple who trained him to become a therapy animal. After being diagnosed with cancer, Alex the Great died in July 2025 at the age of four.
Modesto, California, U.S.
Alex in Sonoma, California (2022) | |
| Species | Domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus) |
|---|---|
| Breed | Flemish Giant |
| Sex | Male |
| Born | November 2020 Modesto, California, U.S. |
| Died | July 21, 2025 (aged 4) Davis, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Therapy pet |
| Known for | Internet celebrity |
| Owner | Kato family |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Weight | 28 lb (13 kg) |
| Named after | Alexander the Great |
| www | |
Life
Alex the Great was born on a rabbit meat farm in Modesto, California.[1] In December 2020,[2] when he was three weeks old,[3] he was then adopted by California couple Josh Row and Kathreen Kei Koc.[a][4] They searched for a Flemish Giant rabbit specifically, as they wanted a docile rabbit to use while doing volunteer work.[3] Kato had also lost her business due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and said that adopting Alex had given her a new purpose and helped her manage her stress.[4] They began training him as a therapy animal in February 2021.[2]
In 2021, Kato brought Alex to a San Francisco Giants baseball game dressed in a bowtie with the team's colors;[2] she was interviewed with Alex[3][4] and his appearance went viral. The Giants invited him back[5] and he became a regular attendee at Oracle Park, the team's home field.[3] Known as the team's unofficial "Rally Rabbit" due to a series of wins the team made whilst Alex was in attendance,[6][5][7] he became well known locally for his appearances at games.[8][5] Baseball card manufacturer Topps announced they intended to make a trading card featuring him;[3][6] the card would be released in late 2025.[9] In 2023, he "threw" a ceremonial first pitch with the help of Row and a pitching machine at a game with the Reno Aces.[10]
In 2022, Alex the Great was used by the San Francisco International Airport as part of their "Wag Brigade"—a set of animals that visited the airport to comfort nervous travelers.[1][11] He was the first rabbit used in the program, which also included dogs, a one-eyed cockapoo, and a pig.[1][11] Alex later performed similar tasks at San Jose Mineta International Airport.[2] Alex "autographed" business cards made for him by the San Francisco Airport by biting the corners.[2] Alex also made appearances at charity events,[1] hospitals,[1] and in advertisements.[2] In May 2025, he had 100,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok.[3] 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.[4]
Description
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Alex the Great was a Flemish Giant rabbit[3] that weighed 28 pounds (13 kg).[1] He slept in the same bed as his owners and was certified as a therapy rabbit by the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals[1] due to his friendly nature. His favourite food was dried cranberries.[2]
According to Row and Kroc, Alex enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially NASCAR.[12] When at public events, he would either be driven in a buggy or drive a child's toy car that Josh Row had customized for the rabbit, with a button that allowed the rabbit partial control.[1][2] The car had a license plate reading "ALEX" and a remote allowing a human to control it.[2] In addition to the car, Row also made Alex rabbit-sized hats to wear.[2] Row named him after Alexander the Great because of how much attention the rabbit received and because he thought it was funny.[2]
See also
- Bini the Bunny, Californian lop rabbit