A one-eyed rescue cat named 'Crash' has been crowned the newest Cadbury Bunny

Every year the Cadbury candy chain picks a mascot to crown the winner of the Cadbury Bunny contest. This year, a one-eyed cat named Crash became the first-ever cat to win the Cadbury Bunny contest, making him Cadbury's official "spokes bunny” for the year.

The chocolate company announced Crash's win in an official release that reads: "After receiving an impressive number of votes from animal lovers across the country, Crash the Cat from Boise, Idaho, has been crowned the winner of the fifth-annual Cadbury Bunny Tryouts, 'Rescue Pets Edition.'"

It further states: "Crash will bring his pawsome personality to the Cadbury Hall of Fame and star in the 2023 Cadbury Clucking Bunny commercial this spring, which fans can get a first look at, here. Plus, Crash will receive a cash prize of $5,000 for himself, $5,000 to the shelter of his choice, and of course, plenty of bragging rights." The release also mentioned how Crash had suffered an injury. "Crash was rescued after a devastating car accident where he was severely injured and left with one eye," it revealed.

As Crash began to recover, "his quirky, outgoing personality made everyone quickly fall head over heels for him, leading Crash to become their resident shelter cat," the press release added. They further gushed about the adorable cat, stating: "Crash charms and impresses people as they visit the shelter, performing tricks like high five – the purfect preparation for his starring role in the upcoming Cadbury Clucking Bunny commercial." 

Crash's owner, Maddie Corey, also expressed her happiness at his achievement, "We are jumping with joy to hear Crash is the next Cadbury Bunny but not surprised as he is always the center of attention in any room. He's been through so much over the past few years and we appreciate the love his friends, family and cat enthusiasts across the country have shown," said Corey. "We can't wait to see Crash take center stage for this year's Cadbury Clucking Bunny Commercial and share his story with the world."

The release also mentioned its winners from previous years, "America's newest sweetheart, Crash, is excited to join past winners in the Cadbury Bunny Tryouts Hall of Fame; Henri the English Bulldog (2019), Lieutenant Dan the Treeing Walker Coonhound (2020), Betty the Frog (2021) and Annie Rose the Therapy Dog (2022)."

"We've been on the edge of our seats waiting to see who America would choose as the 2023 Cadbury Bunny and after an impressive number of votes, we couldn't be more excited to see Crash take home the coveted Bunny ears," said Cam Bogie, Sr. Associate Brand Manager, Cadbury brand team. "Big thank you to all the pets that entered this year's special rescue Tryouts, and big congratulations to our winner Crash!"

The beloved cat will be first seen in a commercial on March 28, 2023, which is the fifth year of the Cadbury Bunny tryouts, but it's the first year of seeking out rescue pets. Crash was reportedly chosen from "thousands of entries." Other than Crash, a chinchilla named Ande, a sheep named Timmy and a duck named Ping had become the finalists.

This year's Cadbury commercials will be pawsome and purrfect!