posted by Matsuo, on 29/08/2009

Between 2004 and 2005, The Institute Of Critical Zoologists initiated the Green Rabbits Project under Dr Kyusaku Ogino. The Green Rabbits Project was an experiment to maintain a population of genetically-modified rabbits in the ICZ as part of our research program. The rabbits were genetically modified with the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) gene found in the jellyfish, Aequorea victoria.

The experiment takes its origins and inspiration from Alba, the name of a genetically-modified 'glowing' rabbit created as a work of art by artist Eduardo Kac, which attracted a storm of controversy. The lab which created the rabbit refused to give the rabbit to Kac. Materials of this controversy have been collected and documented by Dr. Kyusaku as part of his research.

Dr Kyusaku visited a laboratory in France in 2001 and witnessed one of these genetically-modified specimens personally, including Alba, the rabbit which was denied to Kac. When he returned, Dr Kyusaku initiated an independent research for the creation of these genetically modified rabbits.

These creatures were on displayed in the Museum of the Institute Of Critical Zoologists in Kobe from May to June, 2005.

Zhao Renhui. Green Rabbits. Photo by Dr Kyusaku
Zhao Renhui at the laboratory in France, 2005.