Robby Rabbit Ethogram

Behavioural investigation of a domestic rabbit in 2006/2007

A dilemma of behavioural biology lies in its aim to observe animals under conditions, which can be controlled to the greatest possible extent yet at the same time should be as natural as possible. For her studies on behavioural science, Nana Petzet initially began by taking a pet, a medium-sized, castrated dwarf rabbit, in order to observe and note his reactions. Robby came into the artist’s family in August 2004 at the age of one year and lived there until his death in 2011. Robby was housetrained and could jump over an obstacle on command. His habitat spanned the entire flat. Nana Petzet recorded Robby’s range of behaviours in the form of a research diary, with a focus on his sitting and lying positions, his eating habits and social behaviour. In the exhibition Say it isn't so. Art Trains its Sights on the Natural Sciences (2007) at Weserburg Museum für moderne Kunst in Bremen, Nana Petzet showed a film documenting the behaviour of her rabbit in its everyday life. This intimate study, presented in the exhibition space of the museum, was contrasted by an installation in which the pet was confronted with an experimental alteration to its normal habitat.