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ABOUT
Helping rabbits across coastal Carolina find safe, loving homes.
Coastal Carolina Rabbit Rescue (CCRR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Wilmington, NC dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming domestic rabbits across coastal North Carolina. We’re working to build a compassionate, sustainable network for rabbit welfare and advocacy in our region.
Rescue
Coordinate safe intake from shelters and the public.
Rehabilitate
Provide vet care, proper diet, socialization, and enrichment.
Rehome
Match rabbits with adopters who meet our care standards.
Educate
Share resources on housing, bonding, and rabbit-savvy care.
Meet Our Team
Our leadership and advisors bring decades of rescue, veterinary, and nonprofit experience. From hands-on care and foster support to education and medical expertise, they guide CCRR’s mission every day. Together, we’re building a stronger network for rabbit welfare across coastal Carolina.
Scott Higgins
President
Longtime New Hanover County Rabbit Rescue volunteer who has played a central role in coordinating adoptions and supporting placements over the past four years.
Natasha Baker
Treasurer
Account Manager focused on client value and revenue growth; contributes business strategy and holds an MBA from DePaul University.
Paula Watkins
Advisor
House Rabbit Society Educator (2003–2024) and Founder of Cape Fear House Rabbit Society (2003–2012). Currently a board member of Hoppy Tides Rabbit Rescue (2025– ). Brings two decades of education, behavior/bonding guidance, and volunteer training to strengthen CCRR’s adopter and foster support.
Tanja DeZalia
Vice President
Dedicated NHCRR volunteer with field experience from the Abbey Nature Preserve rescue; brings operations support and community outreach expertise.
Dr. Alex Phan, DVM, MS
Board Member
Veterinarian at Chesapeake Humane Society’s Veterinary Clinic; offers deep expertise in animal care plus insight into nonprofit clinic operations and rescue medicine.
Dr. Sarah Ozawa, DVM, DACZM
Advisor
Board-Certified Specialist in Zoological Medicine and Assistant Professor of Zoological Companion Animal Medicine at NC State University. Advises on medical protocols, shelter medicine best practices, and training for rabbit-savvy care.
Bonnie Mitchell
Founder & Secretary
Coastal Education Coordinator at the North Carolina Coastal Federation with hands-on rescue experience and a strong nonprofit background, including program development and organizational governance.
Alyssa DeSena
Board Member
Assistant Shelter Manager at Chesapeake Humane Society with extensive experience coordinating rabbit fosters and adoptions, and a passion for shelter care and process innovation