United Airlines could be in for more trouble after a valuable giant rabbit, which was set to become the biggest in the world, mysteriously died during a transatlantic flight from Heathrow.
The Continental giant rabbit, named Simon, was sent from the UK by breeder Annette Edwards after being sold to a ‘very famous’ celebrity customer but was discovered dead on arrival in Chicago.
Ten month old Simon already measures three feet long and was expected to surpass the size of his father Darius, who is the Guinness Record holder, as the world’s biggest bunny at more than four feet.
"Simon had a vet’s check-up three hours before the flight and was fit as a fiddle," Edwards told the Sun newspaper.
"Something very strange has happened and I want to know what. I’ve sent rabbits all around the world and nothing like this has happened before."
"We were saddened to hear this news. The safety and wellbeing of all the animals that travel with us is of the utmost importance to United Airlines and our PetSafe team," United said in a statement.
"We have been in contact with our customer and have offered assistance. We are reviewing this matter."
Both breeder and the mystery buyer, who was described as ‘distraught’ at the death, are considering legal action against United.
