WATCH: Brightside Farm Sanctuary welcomes first ever baby hare

Brightside Farm Sanctuary in the Huon Valley is fur real when it says it has welcomed a baby hare into its ranks for the first time. SEE THE ADORABLE VIDEO >>

Brightside Farm Sanctuary in the Huon Valley is fur real when it says it has welcomed a baby hare into its ranks for the first time.

Nelson the hare and his sibling were brought to the Cygnet farm last week, after they were found by a local’s dog far from their nest.

Brightside Farm Sanctuary founder Emma Haswell said she was shocked when the “really tiny” pair – who were severely dehydrated – were surrendered to her after the local took them to the vet.

“Wild rabbits in Tasmania are very, very common but you don’t see hares as much,” Ms Haswell said.

“This is the first hare I have ever had.”

Brightside Farm Sanctuary's first two hares getting some shut eye. Picture: Brightside Farm Sanctuary

Ms Haswell said rearing the leverets (baby hares) was challenging and involved her having to feed them with a syringe, so they would not deteriorate further.

But despite her best efforts, Nelson’s sibling sadly passing away on Tuesday.

“But Nelson seems to be thriving at this point,” she said.

“He comes everywhere with me so that I can feed him regularly.”

Brightside Farm Sanctuary's first hare Nelson with rabbit Basil. Picture: Brightside Farm Sanctuary

Nelson has recently been acquainted with Basil the rabbit, who was brought to the sanctuary to specifically keep Nelson company.

“I felt like he really needed a companion, so he wasn’t cold and lonely,” Ms Haswell said.

“They get on really well.”

She said hares were “really beautiful animals”, despite what anyone else thought.

But since they are not native to Tasmania, at no point will Ms Haswell be able to release Nelson back into the wild.

“I suppose he will live in my deer enclosure,” she said.

“He will have a long and happy life is the plan.”