Rabbits, mice, rats and guinea pigs rescued from labs or cases of mistreatment by Italian charity La Collina dei Conigli ONLUS have become magical models for a photo-shoot inspired by the famous novel “Alice in Wonderland.”

This was the special idea of volunteer Attilia Conti to celebrate the first 10 years of the charity’s operation. Why Alice? Because both the novel and this charity “started with a White Rabbit.”

I took these pictures at the rescue center in Monza, near Milan, during the first weekend of September with help from volunteers Attilia, Eleonora and Fulvio. I’m not a professional photographer, but photography is my greatest passion and I’m always available to volunteer for animal shelters with my camera!

Mice were the most cooperative models, while guinea pigs were the laziest (they stayed still only with food present). Rats were the most attractive, and rabbits… were the most disapproving. Some of the pictures were used in the charity’s 2015 calendar, which helps raise funds for hundreds and hundreds of rescued animal.

Many of them are still looking for their new homes, so if you live in Italy, you can adopt one.

More info: lacollinadeiconigli.it | Facebook | 500px

The Cater Mouse

Giuseppe Rossi was rescued by the Italian charity together with dozens of other mice after their lab finished testing. If La Collina dei Conigli had not saved them, they would have been put to sleep.

The March Hare

Indiana Jane is so tiny that she fell off a truck full of rabbits destined for the meat market. We guess that her mother and siblings were on that truck too.

The Dormouse

This little mouse was destined to become snake food.

Playing with cards

Guinea pigs are ready to play.

Through the Looking-Glass

Pet rabbit Nilo was found abandoned, with rear legs paralyzed. Luckily, appropriate care and rehabilitation allowed him to stand and jump again.

Eat me, Drink me

Nissa the pet rabbit was rescued from a bad case of mistreatment. She was safe when she gave birth to mini-me Matteo.

The White Rabbit

Console Marcello is a New Zealand rabbit used in lab testing, as you can guess from the number tattooed on his ear. He’s still looking for a lovely home.

Cheshire Rats

All of these rats were rescued after being used in lab tests.

The Queen of Hearts

Her Majesty Neda. She was adopted right after the photo-shoot.

Gardener Corallo

Did you know that rats are great painters? And they’re full of style too.

Tweedledum and Tweedledee

Guinea Pigs are great models – just give them food, and everything will be alright.

Crazy run

9 baby rat sisters running in circles. Can you imagine something cuter than this?

Curiouser and Curiouser

The nose to kiss.

Roses

Who will paint roses for the Queen?

Down The Rabbit Hole

So, are you ready to follow the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole?