HRSS Gathering
30 Jun 2002, Botanical Gardens

On 30 June 2002, some 20 HRSS members and their pet bunnies gathered at Singapore Botanical Gardens at 3pm for an afternoon of fun.

Those who reached earlier went in search of greener pastures, while those who arrived later joined them at the shady spot beneath some trees.

When everyone had arrived, the HRSS members carried their respective pet bunnies and introduced themselves as well as their bunnies. It was the first time many of the HRSS members were meeting one another and seeing one another's bunnies. After so much interaction in the HRSS forum, such an occasion was naturally filled with exclamations of recognition and delight. Two of the HRSS members even found out that they had been classmates!

The bunnies carried out their own introduction session with much curious sniffs at one another. After that, they hopped and raced around. They picked their friends, and bunnies belonging to different owners lounged together comfortably in no time at all.

Besides one another's sniffs, nudges and licks, the bunnies received plenty of pats and head rubs from the HRSS members. They were cradled and fussed over, offered carrots and raisins, and enthusiastically photographed from every angle in every position.

Refreshments were provided. So, while the HRSS members quenched their thirst, their bunnies lay against the ice-box to cool down.

It was not all just fun and no work. In addition to sharing anecdotes about their respective pet bunnies, the HRSS members also shared their knowledge on caring for bunnies with one another. One of the members' 4-month old bunny was discovered to be a buck. The members who were uneasy about cutting their pet bunnies' nails were also shown how to carry out the procedure easily and safely.

The HRSS members also tried to carry out their society's mission of education by teaching the children who were drawn from their own picnics to the gathering, about the correct handling of rabbits.

From left to right. Back row: William, Daniel, Diana, Constance, Desmond with Baby, Kapil with Beta, Evie with Dusty, Phoebe with Megan, Cheryl with Flurry, Ian with Sunshine, Raphael carried by his mummy Chery, Yubin with Cody. Front row: Joanne with Chucky, Annie with Coco, Austen with Cherry, Stella, Anne with Cookie, Jaclyn with Hope. Photographers (added to this photo): Kenneth and Lailee

The children's insistently rough behaviour towards the bunnies evident in their poking, squeezing, and even chasing of the bunnies, highlighted the need for more extensive education about rabbits for children. Hence, the gathering also became a re-affirmation of the aims of HRSS for all the members present.

Before leaving at around 5.30pm, a group photograph was taken of the HRSS members with their respective pet bunnies in their arms. Such a tremendously fun and rewarding Sunday is no doubt worth remembering.