$7K Bracket-Style Cadbury Bunny Contest Includes Mini Pony, Skunk

HERSHEY, PA — Brackets and chocolate and cute pets in bunny ears, "Oh my!"

For a sixth year, the Cadbury Bunny Tryouts have returned, and The Hershey Company this year took a page out of the madness of March to create a fun, bracket-style tournament that could net you a $7,000 prize.

Many proud pet parents have already submitted photos and videos of their dogs, cats, ponies and skunks — yes, skunks — wearing bunny ears on their Instagram feeds using the hashtag "#CadburyBunnyContest" and tagging @CadburyUSA.

Contestants this year include "Isla the Golden Pup," Mila 'MooMoo' (who may be part alligator the way she shreds toys) and Thor, a feline who looks none-too-pleased to be donning bunny ears, but who also respectfully asked for consideration as he considers a new career path bringing eggs and joy to all, and spreading "pawsitivity" and treats wherever he goes.

It also includes Blondi, a 22-year-old mini pony, Skunky Brewster, a rescued American Striped Skunk, and at least one hairless cat in a dapper turtleneck, patiently seated in an Easter basket.

Check out other fabulous contests on the brand's Instagram page under the "tagged" section.

"The winning 'bunny' and its owner will have the opportunity to receive up to $7,000 in prizes over the course of five rounds of voting, and the chance for the 'bunny' to star in the 2025 Cadbury Bunny Tryouts commercial," the company said in a news release.

This year, the winner will be decided with a bracket-style fan vote.

From March 11-23, fans can vote during 24-hour periods until a winning "bunny" is crowned.

Here's the timeline:

• Round of Thirty-Cute – Voting begins March 11
• Crème Sixteen – Voting begins March 13
• A Litter of Eight – Voting begins March 18
• Final Fur – Voting begins March 20
• Final Vote – Voting begins March 22

"The spring season is a special time for our Cadbury team, but the Cadbury Bunny Tryouts are perhaps the best part of all," Natalie Shuntich, senior associate marketing manager at The Hershey Company, said in a statement. "The annual competition has evolved into a moment that fans eagerly await each year, and it is an honor to engage with both Cadbury and pet lovers alike, year after year, making them a central part of our brand."

You can vote and follow along on the @CadburyUSA Instagram as pets are narrowed down from the Round of Thirty-Cute to the Final Bunny.

One pet, er, "bunny," will be crowned as the 2024 Cadbury Bunny on March 25.