The rabbit in Kungsparken was the one who first caught my eye. A small, still figure in the grass, ears alert yet relaxed, as if it had all the time in the world. Then came the real surprise: a large Greylag Goose, stepping quietly over the lawn, lowered its beak and began gently grooming the rabbit — like it might one of its own goslings, showcasing a unique bond.
I froze, just meters away, crouched low in the wet spring grass with my camera half-raised. There was no panic, no bolt. The rabbit stayed. The goose nibbled delicately around its ears. It was such an odd moment, this quiet exchange between two creatures who, in the wild script of things, aren’t supposed to share affection.
But there it was. A hush of intimacy. It reminded me, again, how Malmö’s city parks are full of tiny wonders if you move slowly enough to see them, including moments like those with a rabbit just quietly being.
Species Spotlight: Wild Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Though not native to Sweden, wild rabbits thrive in Malmö’s urban green spaces. You’ll see them darting through rose bushes in Slottsträdgården or sunbathing along canal edges. This one, however, wasn’t in flight. Instead, it allowed an entirely different species to fuss over it like a parent over a restless child.
The Greylag Goose (Anser anser), though usually boisterous and protective, can be surprisingly tender — especially around young. Perhaps in this moment, instinct simply overflowed its boundaries.
The Photographer’s View
📍 Kungsparken, Malmö, Sweden
📷 Sony A7R V + Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM
⚙️ 1/1250 sec • f/2.8 • ISO 200
I used a low crouch and a prime lens to create softness around the rabbit — which became the natural subject when it sat calmly, allowing the goose to lean in. The shallow depth of field kept the viewer’s eye on the rabbit’s rounded form and velvety ears.
The Rabbits Call to the Flock
Ever witnessed kindness between unlikely companions? What do you make of a rabbit being groomed by a goose? Nature never stops surprising, even with simple acts surrounding rabbits. Share your thoughts — or tag someone who needs to see a soft moment today.
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