读英文报 －“世界最大兔子”竞争者美联航班机上死亡

Mystery over giant rabbit's death on United Airlines flight

LONDON — A giant rabbit died in unexplained circumstances on a United Airlines flight from Britain to Chicago in the latest unfortunate incident to hit the beleaguered(受围困，麻烦重重的) airline, British media reported Wednesday.

Simon, a 3-foot, 10-month-old continental giant rabbit, was found dead after the Boeing 767 landed at Chicago O’Hare International Airport following its departure from London Heathrow, the Sun reported.

Rabbit breeder Annette Edwards told the newspaper that the rabbit, which was likely to grow to be the biggest in the world after its father Darius held the title of the world’s biggest rabbit at 4ft 4in long, was being transported to its new celebrity owner. It wasn't immediately clear when the incident occurred.

“Simon had a vet’s check-up three hours before the flight and was fit as a fiddle,” Edwards told the Sun. “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. The client who bought Simon is very famous. He’s upset.”

In a statement, United said: “We were saddened to hear this news.  The safety and wellbeing of all the animals that travel with us is of the utmost (最大的) importance to United Airlines and our PetSafe team.  We have been in contact with our customer and have offered assistance. We are reviewing this matter."