Amy Sedaris has a lovely apartment in the desirable Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City, though she has often described it as a hutch. A rabbit hutch.Until recently, Sedaris, an actor, comedian, and author, lived with a bunny named Tina whos male, a fact she learned years after getting him. Tina had free rein of the apartment and, like the rabbits who lived there before him, chewed through her bedding, the couch, and some of her clothes.Honestly, I lived with him. It was not the other way around, Sedaris, who starred in Strangers With Candy, BoJack Horseman, and The Mandalorian, told me in an interview earlier this year. Known for her unconventional brand of comedy, its not surprising her pets are unconventional, too. Im a rabbit person, she said. Tina, who died in the fall, was one of a handful of rabbits Sedaris has cared for over the past three decades.But although Sedaris is often doing a bit, her interest in these animals is actually quite serious.She educates prospective bunny owners on rabbit care, she attends bunny conferences, she hosts fundraisers for the Humane Society, and she talks to people like me about why rabbits and other animals are worth our attention.Why did I talk to her? I often look for new ways to pull readers into conversations about wildlife and nature. One route can be through pets: If you develop love and respect for a pet rabbit, Sedaris said, perhaps that love and respect will spill over into other parts of the nonhuman world. And respect for wildlife much of which is in peril is the basis for conserving it.Our conversation, below, has been edited for length and clarity.Benji JonesWhen did you first bring animals into your life?Amy SedarisGrowing up we always had dogs and cats and fish and turtles. In the 80s, I had my own cats. And then in the 90s, I saw a rabbit in a window, and I was like, Im gonna go get that bunny rabbit. And I did. I was just struck by how beautiful it was the ears. I mean, youre used to seeing dogs and cats, but to see a bunny? I was mesmerized.Having animals in your life just gives you a better life.Benji JonesYouve since had other rabbits. What is it about these animals?Amy SedarisTheyre just the best. You have to really pay attention to them so you know when theyre in pain or if something goes wrong. Theyre the perfect little companions for me. They slept with me in bed; they came to me when I called. Theyre just delightful. Dogs freak me out because I do think they see into your soul. I do like dogs and cats but I have always felt loyal to rabbits. They have such strong personalities, and I can take it. Im like, Okay, you can be the boss. You want me to do this? You got it. You want to be pet right now? Absolutely. I liked being in that position with rabbits, because ultimately I was going to be the one with power. Benji JonesWho was your first rabbit?Amy SedarisTattletale was her name. She only lived to be 3 1/2 or 4. And then I got a rabbit named Dusty a year and a half later. Thats when I realized rabbits could be assholes and really bossy. Like, you really do live with them, not the other way around. A year later, I was walking by Petco and popped in and saw my latest rabbit, Tina, who just passed away on Halloween. I had him for 10 years. I found out four years after having him that he was actually a boy. It was my first male pet. It made sense when I found out he was a boy. Im like, of course youre a boy. You were kind of giving me male energy.Amy Sedaris appears alongside actor Daniel Henney at a gala in 2024 supporting the Humane Society. Charles Sykes/Invision for The Humane Society of the United States/AP Content ServicesBenji JonesWhat was your relationship with Tina like?Amy SedarisIt took Tina a couple of years to trust me. Normally, when you bring a rabbit home you first keep them in a cage. They can watch you and get to know you better, and then you can let them out. I didnt do that step. I immediately gave him the apartment. I was living with him in this big hutch. He had free range and thats why he was so bossy. He would jump on the furniture, jump on the bed. He would sleep with me, cuddle, especially toward the end of his life. He got really affectionate and would groom me. He was a really good communicator. He was a real charmer.Near Tinas last days, everybody came around and everybody helped me. I would tell people when theyre going to get any animal, the first step is to find the right vet for you, and then just surround yourself with a community of people that can help you when you need them.Benji JonesHow have rabbits shaped your life and your comedy? Amy SedarisI lived my life around Tinas schedule. It was always about date night with Tina. It was always about getting home. My agents are tired of hearing about Tina. I would be like, Tina is a senior bunny and I cant travel. And if I had to work long hours, I had a woman who would come by to check on Tina and just sit with him. He was a family member. People always asked about Tina, like when I did any talk show. I could just talk about Tina forever. I like the idea of making a prey animal feel safe. I like opposites in my career, like someone whos unattractive but she thinks shes pretty. And with rabbits, theyre always afraid theyre going to be eaten. So when they have their back to me, its the best. Also, knowing that you give them complete control. They tell you where they want the litter box; they tell you when theyre hungry. My dad used to say to me all the time, That damn rabbit is holding you hostage. Tina chewed me out of house and home. I havent had nice bedding for, what, 27 years from rabbits, because they chew the sheets. Benji JonesSometimes I look at my dog and Im just struck by the fact that hes a creature. Like not a human but a different species with no connection to the stressful day-to-day reality, and in some ways that brings me a sense of calm. Did you have that relationship with rabbits? Amy SedarisI did. You just tune into them. Rabbits just calm me down. You lay on the floor, they come into bed, they know your routine. I think having rabbits helped me really just stay in tune with something else, like somebody who needed me, that relied on me. I like having the responsibility and chores. You want a job you can bitch about. Like every day you have 20 minutes of chores. And I like meeting farmers to get the hay. I love talking to people on the phone about rabbits for hours. Or you go to the rabbit conference, and its funny because they say people look like their pets, and there are [people] there with buck teeth. Its like, this is hilarious.So that changed me. If I was an animal, Id be a rabbit.Benji JonesI think a lot of people struggle to engage in stories about wildlife declines or animals suffering. What does it take to pull more people into the conversation?Amy SedarisWell, its tough. Even at the Humane Society, when they show those videos [of animals suffering], its really hard to watch that. Or when youre watching a news station and that commercial comes on, youre like, Oh my god. People have a hard time. They think youre shoving it down their throats.But you know what, when the Covid pandemic happened, all these animals were coming out in nature. There were more fish in the stream, families of bears crossing the streets, because the traffic wasnt as heavy. Its just like, See! It could be like this all the time. We can live with animals and protect animals.Benji JonesWhat is your message for someone who doesnt feel connected to animals or the natural world? Amy SedarisHaving a relationship with an animal is one of the best things you can do.It really makes you see life in a whole other way. You can love something and it really opens up your heart so much. And the best thing you can do when you lose an animal is get another one. Its going to take me a while to get another [rabbit]. I think I just need to start living my life a little bit, but I know eventually I will, and thatll make me feel good.Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More: