WATCH: Bunny whisperer is proud of the state of the park

The City Times recently met with Tania Forrest-Smith, founder of the Bunny Park Rescue Group, regarding the state of the Bunny Park.

The 16 ha facility was officially reopened in December 2020, following a lengthy closure forced by a three-phase revamp.

Some of the complaints received included long grass and a lack of animals at the facility.

Tania became involved with the park more than seven years ago to advocate the rights of the animals that were then housed within the Bunny Park.

Her involvement and methods often ruffled the feathers of Ekurhuleni of City representatives but have since grown into a cooperative relationship that ensures that every animal’s needs are met.

“I often hear complaints that the grass is long and honestly it is frustrating because for as long as I remember the park was nothing but red dust, now we have grass and the park is green,” she said.

“The maintenance teams work tirelessly, weather permitting, to ensure that the public spaces are trimmed and neat. The grass within the three goat and sheep camps are left longer, as it offers the animals healthy, natural grazing.”

She said that visitors can enjoy the bunny antics within the dedicated enclosure.

“Our bunny population was drastically reduced from more than 6000 to only 50,” she said.

“Those that were removed were sterilised and rehomed. The remaining population was also sterilised and now happily live within their enclosure, which has a cement foundation and is covered with soil to prevent them from burrowing out.”

According to Tania the animals, which also include two emus, eight goats and 11 sheep, are closely monitored and their dietary needs met via solar feeders.

“The feeders supplement the animals’ natural diet. Our animals are very well looked after and it is thanks to the initial support that we received when we started the campaign,” she said.

“The park is not a petting zoo, rather a farmyard with the added benefit of wide luscious picnic places and play areas for the children.”

However, Tania noted that some visitors do try to feed the animals and that it could have dire consequences.
“We are pleading with the community to please not feed the animals, something as small as feeding the sheep bread could cause them terrible health issues,” she said.

“Come and enjoy the park, make memories but leave the feeding to the staff.”

During the visit, two stray bunnies were spotted running around the park.
Tania pointed out that animals that are dumped by their owners are often seen at the park.

“It is sad to see as these creatures do not know how to survive in this vast area,” she said.
“In cases like these humane traps will be set up to lure and capture the bunnies after which they will be sterilised and rehomed.”

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