A total of 31 bunnies were rescued at the Durbanville Cemetery in a rescue and relocation project run with the help of the Durbanville community, in collaboration with Hop Haven.

“What began as an urgent response to the danger facing the rabbits living in and around Durbanville Cemetery has grown into this community-led rescue and relocation project,” says Marlodene Basson, one of the volunteers.

“After reports of rabbits being injured, attacked and killed, concerned residents, volunteers and local animal rescuers began working together to find a safer long-term solution for the colony.

“The project is being run in collaboration with Hop Haven, a registered non-profit organisation, and focuses on catching, sterilising and safely relocating the surviving rabbits,” she says.

Safe private farms

“After discussing the situation within a community WhatsApp group, we learned that Hop Haven had access to safe, private farms where the rabbits could be relocated. The cemetery and surrounding public areas cannot protect them from people who may harm them, dogs, traffic, ongoing breeding and future intervention. For that reason, we believe relocation is the safest long-term option,” Basson says.

Hop Haven is also able to assist with sterilisation bookings through the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) at reduced welfare rates, making it possible to help more rabbits responsibly.

First raffle helped turn concern into action

“Our project’s first fundraising raffle received an incredible response from the Durbanville community. Residents bought tickets, donated, shared social media posts and helped spread awareness of the rabbits’ situation.

To date, 31 bunnies have been rescued through the project,” adds Caitlin Labuschagne, founder and owner of Hop Haven, who started the fundraising raffle.

“The funds raised helped cover essential costs such as sterilisation, transport, food, temporary fostering and relocation. Every ticket represented more than an entry into a competition. It helped move rabbits out of danger and into a safer future. “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to every person, rescue organisation, foster carer, volunteer and supporter who has contributed to the project so far.

“The response from the community has been overwhelming. Seeing people come together to help these animals has given us hope and made it possible to save so many bunnies so far. We could not have reached this point without this wonderful community, and we would like to urge them to keep the momentum going,” Labuschagne says.

Keeping up with the breeding cycle

“Fundraising is not the only challenge. The rescue team is also racing against the colony’s breeding cycle.

“Female rabbits can fall pregnant again very soon after giving birth, and with an estimated 150 feral rabbits in the colony, the numbers can quickly grow.

“Since catching began at the start of June, volunteers have already found two nests with young bunnies. Within about 12 weeks, those young rabbits can begin breeding too. This is why female rabbits are being prioritised for catching and sterilisation wherever possible,” she says.

Relocation, adoption and welfare decisions

“Each rabbit is carefully caught and assessed before being sterilised. After surgery, they recover in temporary foster care before being relocated to a safe environment where they can live together away from the risks they faced in Durbanville.

“Many of the cemetery rabbits are feral or semi-feral and are not used to living as household pets. Some may also have been abandoned or previously harmed by people. For these rabbits, a secure farm environment with minimal human interference is often the kindest and most suitable option.

“There are, however, some rabbits who appear to have been recently dumped or who actively seek human interaction. During the foster phase, volunteers spend time with them and assess whether they may be suited to life as a pet.

“We currently have one such bunny in foster care: a beautiful black-and-white boy who has been sterilised but has not yet been released on the farm. We are taking time to see whether he would enjoy life as a pet or whether he would be happier joining his friends at the farm,” Labuschagne says.

Suited to a loving home

“The rabbits’ welfare remains the priority. If a rabbit appears better suited to a loving home, we will try to give that bunny the opportunity. However, rescues are already full and many domestic rabbits are waiting for homes, so adoption spaces must be used carefully.

“If any of the cemetery bunnies are placed up for adoption, all adoptions will go through Hop Haven, including the necessary home checks and education around proper rabbit care,” she says.

A sanctuary away from danger

Through years of rescue work, Labuschagne from Hop Haven has built relationships with other rescue networks and bunny lovers,” says Basson.

“Through these connections, two safe farm spaces have been offered for the Durbanville rabbits. Both locations are managed by people who care deeply about the safety and welfare of the colony. To protect the bunnies and respect the privacy of the farm owners, the exact relocation sites will not be shared publicly. This helps prevent the rabbits from being disturbed, removed, harmed or placed at risk again,” she says.

“Every time we visit one of the farms, it warms our hearts to see the bunnies out on the grass, safe and free. No more breeding, no more cruelty at the hands of humans, and no more fear,” she says.

Follow the bunnies’ journey

A Facebook page, Save the Durbanville Bunnies, was created so members of the public can follow the rescue effort and receive updates as the rabbits are caught, sterilised, cared for and relocated. The page also shares fundraising updates, photographs and ways the public can assist. Follow the project on Facebook at Save the Durbanville Bunnies.

Win a two-night Langebaan getaway

“Although 31 rabbits have already been helped, the project is far from over. More bunnies still need to be caught, sterilised and moved to safety, and the veterinary and relocation costs remain significant,” Labuschagne says.

To continue raising funds, the team has launched a new raffle with a special getaway as the prize. One winner will receive a two-night stay at Didi’s Place in Langebaan, a spacious eight-sleeper guesthouse located close to Club Mykonos and Laguna Mall.

All funds raised through the raffle will go towards the continued sterilisation, care, and safe relocation of the Durbanville Cemetery bunnies.

Section 18A tax certificates are available for South African donors. View Didi’s Place on Airbnb.

The work continues

The rescue team hopes the community will continue supporting the project by buying raffle tickets, donating, and sharing the campaign.

“The public is also urged never to abandon unwanted domestic rabbits in cemeteries, parks, fields or public spaces. Domestic rabbits often struggle to survive after being dumped and may reproduce rapidly, become injured, starve or fall victim to predators and human cruelty.

“Anyone who can no longer care for a rabbit should contact a reputable rabbit rescue for assistance,” says Basson.

“The progress so far shows what can happen when a community comes together with compassion and a shared purpose. A total of 31 bunnies are now on their way to safer lives, but the project still needs help to reach the rabbits left behind.

“By entering the new raffle, sharing the Facebook page or making a contribution, members of the public can help the team continue its work,” she says.

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