Marlon Bundo: The Story of the First Rabbit on Air Force Two
In the world of high-profile political pets, few figures captured the public's imagination quite like Marlon Bundo. A scrappy rescue from Chicago, Bundo transitioned from a student film prop to a resident of the United States Naval Observatory, eventually becoming a social media sensation and a historic traveler.
From Chicago Student Film to Washington, D.C.
Marlon Bundo's journey began in 2013 when Charlotte Pence, then a freshman at DePaul University, found him on Craigslist. Charlotte needed a rabbit for a short student film project, where Bundo played a symbolic role as a rebel in a world of conformity, repeatedly escaping his cage. After the project concluded, Charlotte decided to keep the rabbit, who she purchased for approximately $20.
The rabbit's unique name was inspired by a coincidence. When Charlotte's father, Mike Pence, texted the seller to ask about the price, the owner replied, "Make me an offer." This phrasing mirrored a famous line spoken by Marlon Brando's character, Don Vito Corleone, in The Godfather. A friend of Charlotte's, who was a fan of Brando, suggested the name, which eventually became Marlon Bundo.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Bundo lived with Charlotte throughout her four years of college in Chicago before moving to Indianapolis and eventually to Washington, D.C. In January 2017, Bundo made history as the first rabbit to ever travel aboard Air Force Two.
Life at the Naval Observatory
From 2017 to 2021, Bundo lived with the Pence family at the United States Naval Observatory. He was not the only animal in the household; the family also owned an Australian Shepherd named Harley and two cats, Hazel and Pickle.
Bundo's official public debut occurred in May 2017 during an event for Military Appreciation Month at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. He also visited the White House, appearing on the official Flickr landing page on May 11, 2017. His final visit to the Oval Office took place on March 20, 2018, during a dinner where he met President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
Despite his fame, Bundo's time in the spotlight was not without controversy. Online critics and rabbit enthusiasts expressed concern over the length of his nails, suggesting a lack of proper grooming. While the White House press office did not initially comment, The Washington Post later noted that the rabbit promptly received a pedicure.
A Digital Pioneer and Literary Star
Marlon Bundo broke new ground as the first rabbit associated with a U.S. president or vice president to have a dedicated social media presence. His Instagram account, created by Charlotte Pence after the 2017 inauguration, grew to over 33,000 followers by May 2019.
The account largely avoided partisan politics, focusing instead on "bunny life." Followers enjoyed photos of Bundo playing hide-and-seek with Pickle the cat, being hugged by Charlotte, and humorous staged shots of him "reading" the Constitution, signing documents, and using a treadmill. This popularity led Karen and Charlotte Pence to author a children's book featuring the rabbit.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Acquired via Craigslist in Chicago (2013) |
| Historic First | First rabbit to travel on Air Force Two |
| Residence | U.S. Naval Observatory (2017–2021) |
| Social Media | First presidential-circle rabbit with an Instagram account |
| Family Pets | Harley (Dog), Hazel and Pickle (Cats) |
Key Facts
- Name Origin: A play on actor Marlon Brando, inspired by a The Godfather quote.
- Career Start: Acted as a "symbol of rebellion" in a DePaul University student film.
- Travel Milestone: First rabbit to fly on Air Force Two in January 2017.
- Digital Reach: Amassed over 33,000 Instagram followers by May 2019.
- Passing: His death was announced by Charlotte Pence on January 15, 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Marlon Bundo get his name?
He was named after actor Marlon Brando. The name was suggested after the rabbit's seller told Charlotte Pence to "make me an offer," which reminded a friend of a famous line from the movie The Godfather.
What was Marlon Bundo's first "job"?
Before moving to Washington, Bundo appeared in a short student film at DePaul University, where he portrayed a rabbit that repeatedly escaped its cage to symbolize rebellion.
Was Marlon Bundo the only pet in the Pence household?
No, the family also had an Australian Shepherd named Harley and two cats named Hazel and Pickle.
What did Marlon Bundo do on social media?
His Instagram featured non-partisan content showing his daily life, including playing with the family cat and humorous photos of him interacting with documents and a treadmill.
When did Marlon Bundo pass away?
Charlotte Pence announced Bundo's death on social media on January 15, 2022.