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The Bunnies are dead.

The Bunnies remain dead.

Understanding the 2022–2023 Viral Outbreak at Bunny Park

For decades, the Bunny Park in Benoni was known for its vibrant population of free-roaming rabbits.

Families from near and far would visit to see these friendly creatures, feed them, and learn about small-animal care in a safe, natural setting. However, in 2022 and 2023, the park faced a significant threat in the form of a highly contagious viral disease (similar to rabbit hemorrhagic disease), resulting in the drastic decline of its rabbit population.

1. How the Outbreak Began

Early Detection: The first cases were identified in 2022, when several rabbits began showing severe symptoms consistent with hemorrhagic disease. Despite the park management’s best efforts—quarantining affected rabbits and disinfecting enclosures—the virus spread swiftly due to crowded conditions and the nature of the disease itself.

2. Devastating Effects on the Rabbit Population

By 2023, the majority of rabbits had succumbed to the virus, leaving the park with a critically reduced or effectively non-existent bunny population. Known for its rapid transmission and high fatality rate, hemorrhagic disease made containment extremely difficult.

3. Measures Taken by Park Management

  • Isolation & Disinfection: Infected rabbits were isolated, and common areas underwent thorough cleaning in an attempt to contain the outbreak.
  • Visitor Restrictions: Temporary measures were implemented to limit contact between the remaining rabbits and park visitors, aimed at preventing further spread.
  • Future Precautions: The park now requires strict vaccination and proof of sterilization for any newly introduced rabbits to minimize the risk of reintroducing the virus.

4. Ongoing Impact & Future Plans

The park currently no longer has the bustling bunny community it once did. Discussions about repopulating the park are ongoing, but these efforts face significant risks if the virus remains on-site or re-enters through unvaccinated rabbits. Park management emphasizes that visitors should not drop off domestic rabbits or any other animals without official authorization.

5. Lessons Learned & Responsibility

This outbreak highlights the importance of diligent hygiene practices and responsible pet ownership. Many of the park’s rabbits had originally been abandoned pets, underscoring the fact that improper or irresponsible relinquishment can bring diseases into shared animal environments.

Moving forward, any plans to reintroduce rabbits to Bunny Park involve vaccination, sterilization, and close veterinary oversight.

6. Moving Forward: A Park in Transition

Despite this setback, Bunny Park remains a cherished landmark in Benoni’s history. The recent outbreak serves as both a cautionary tale and a motivator for better practices in animal welfare and public education. With proper planning, veterinary guidance, and community collaboration, there is hope that one day the park may once again have a thriving population of rabbits or other
small animals.

Despite this, the park does remain populated with various animals that are looked after by the dedicated staff and management team. Members of the community are encouraged to visit the park and engage with the anmimals and other amenities that are available for everyones enjoyment; be sure to leave a review on the Bunny Park Google page: Click Here to Leave a Review

Please enjoy this website and exploring the history of the Bunny Park; We hope for this website to serve as an inspiration to local businesses, entrepreneurs and activists to engage with Park management with a view to establishing the Bunny Park as the icon for the area in a way that Benoni deserves.

Our Website Sponsor

This site is lovingly sponsored by ARC Recovery Centre as a gift to the community - because we believe that healthy environments foster healthy minds.

The Bunny Park

EST - 1966

The Bunny Park

EST - 1966

Enhancing The Bunny Park's Experience

Please kindly take note: The Bunny Park’s content has been meticulously gathered from credible news sources that extensively cover the Bunny Park. We highly value and appreciate your contributions, so please inform us through the WhatsApp link if you happen to come across any inaccuracies. Our ultimate aim is to continuously enhance this website, therefore we encourage you to share any valuable additional details you may possess.

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The History of the Bunny Park

A Tale of Community and Nature

The Bunny Park, nestled in the heart of Rynfield, Benoni, has served as a beacon of joy, leisure, and educational fun for generations. This verdant oasis began as a mere vision, a dream to create a sanctuary where children and adults alike could experience the simpler pleasures of nature right in the midst of urban life. Join us as we hop back in time and explore the pivotal chapters that shaped the history of the Bunny Park.

The Inception of Innocence (1960's)

As we hop into the past, let’s explore the history of the Bunny Park, nestled in the heart of Benoni, a charming sanctuary where memories are as plentiful as the bunnies themselves. This timeline takes us back to a forest in Rynfield which bordered Pretoria Road, Davidson, Miles Sharp, and Struben Streets – the cradle of the Bunny Park.

A Gift for the Children (Early 1960s)

Legend whispers of an elderly couple without heirs who willed this expanse of land to the Benoni Town Council with a dream: to fashion a space for the children of Benoni to revel in joy. The council, embracing this vision, cleared the forest and laid the foundation of a recreational haven.

Bunny Park Reflections Art & Story Contest

With a view to Dystopian 2066

Bunny Park Reflections Art & Story Contest

With a view to Dystopian 2066

Fireworks and the Festival Atmosphere (1960s)

The initial flickers of the park’s spirit were ignited with Guy Fawkes evening celebrations, akin to a small Rynfield Festival. Families gathered under the stars, filling the warm night with laughter and sparks until a fateful incident breathed a new purpose into the park: the creation of a bunny haven.

Design and Development (Late 1960s)

Mr. Teun Dubbeld, the park department virtuoso, alongside Mr. L.J. van Riet, envisioned a park not confined by cages but one that teemed with domestic and farmyard familiarity. They drew inspiration from European designs and local landscapes, including the distinctive aviary based on Wassenaar Zoo and the Flintstone-inspired toilet blocks.

The Bunny Park is Born (1966)

The park burgeoned into existence, not as a conventional zoo, but as a verdant mosaic where city children could meet nature face-to-face. From the regal gift of Royal Swans to the endeavors of Jack Hanna, each story in the history of the Bunny Park is etched with dedication and love.

The History of the Bunny Park -- The Evolution of Enchantment (1970s - 1990s)

Continuing on the history of the Bunny Park, we gaze upon the transformative era that defined the very essence of this verdant oasis. The park expanded beyond the realm of imagination, emerging as a beacon of childhood delight.

A Hub for Harmony and Heritage (1970s)

In the 1970s, the park officially secured its title and grounded itself in the hearts of the community. The land, a mosaic of unwritten tales, finally found its name etched in the town’s records, marking a new chapter in the history of the Bunny Park.

A Sanctuary of Social Synchrony (1980s)

With its gates wide open, the park became a microcosm where generations shared smiles and exchanged whispers with nature. A menagerie of domestic animals and bunnies meandered alongside humans, encapsulating an irreplaceable era of kinship and learning.

Cultural Confluence and Conservation (1990s)

Towards the later part of the century, the Bunny Park transcended beyond a recreational space, evolving into a cultural confluence. It championed environmental awareness and laid emphasis on the symbiotic relationship between humans and animals. Tending to more than just furry friends, the park cultivated a sense of responsibility in its patrons, fostering a new generation of conservationists.

Transcendence Through Trials (2000s)

The dawn of the new millennium brought with it a myriad of trials. The park bravely withstood the test of time, adapting and evolving to meet the needs of an ever-changing world. Renovations and restorations ensued, ensuring the park’s legacy was preserved for future enjoyment.

Celebrations and Challenges

Amidst the laughter and picnic festivities, the Bunny Park faced its share of challenges – from addressing the wellbeing of its animal residents to ensuring the sustainability of the environment. Yet, the local community’s participation and passion became a hallmark of resilience in the history of the Bunny Park.

Celebrations and Challenges

Amidst the laughter and picnic festivities, the Bunny Park faced its share of challenges – from addressing the wellbeing of its animal residents to ensuring the sustainability of the environment. Yet, the local community’s participation and passion became a hallmark of resilience in the history of the Bunny Park.

The History of the Bunny Park

Revitalization and Responsibility (2000s - Today)

In our final installment of the history of the Bunny Park, we leap into the modern-day revival of a park intertwined with the lives of countless Benoni residents and their fond memories.

Renewal and Reflection (Late 2000s - 2017)

The new era saw the Benoni Bunny Park pivoting towards greater ecological mindfulness. While preserving its rustic charm, the park initiated a series of upgrades to embrace sustainability and improve animal welfare practices. Despite facing significant challenges, such as the closure for a much-needed overhaul, the park’s community stood unwavering in their support.

Restoration and Reopening (2020)

After years of anticipation and meticulous restoration, true to the history of the Bunny Park, December 2020 marked a celebratory milestone with the grand reopening. The park flaunted new attractions, secure animal enclosures, verdant picnic areas, and an updated children’s play zone – an embodiment of community collaboration and commitment.

Bunny Park Reflections Art & Story Contest

With a view to Dystopian 2066

Bunny Park Reflections Art & Story Contest

With a view to Dystopian 2066

A Commitment to Cohesion and Care

With the dawn of its renewed existence, the Bunny Park’s narrative spoke volumes of social cohesion, offering a sanctuary for people and animals alike. The resolve to foster a petting zoo and the appointment of Bunny Park Rescue Group echoed the park’s dedication to being a custodian of joy and learning about animal care.

Partnership for Preservation

The community, exemplified by the care shown by Bunny Park Rescue Group, shaped the park into a symbol of hope and healing, not just for individuals but for the city as a whole.

Looking to the Future

As the park’s gates welcome new generations, its narrative continues to be one of resilience and rejuvenation. The park’s legacy, rooted in its storied past, now looks to the future with a focus on environmental education, community engagement, and a steadfast commitment to animal welfare.

Enduring Enchantment

Thus concludes our tale of the history of the Bunny Park. Like the gentle hopping of bunnies, may the park’s overture to the future resound with the joyful laughter of children and the peaceful coexistence of all its residents.

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Cyclops “Cy” the Emu

Bunny Park Reflections Art & Story Contest

With a view to Dystopian 2066

Bunny Park Reflections Art & Story Contest

With a view to Dystopian 2066

Our Website Sponsor

This site is lovingly sponsored by ARC Recovery Centre as a gift to the community - because we believe that healthy environments foster healthy minds.