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Humane Society of Sarasota brings bunnies to campers

Campers learned plenty about rabbits and other animals during summer camp.


  • By Harry Sayer
  • | 4:28 p.m. July 5, 2022
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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The Humane Society of Sarasota County takes in all sorts of dogs and cats week in and out for Sarasota locals and visitors to possibly adopt. 

It's a system they've learned well and stick to, except for a few weeks over the summer. 

Those weeks, when the shelter puts on a weekly summer camp series of kids ages 6-11, brings all sorts of furry friends to the Humane Society's doors.

Ferrets? Check. Guinea Pigs? Definitely. Even mini horses, baby chicks and other out there animals? Depends on the week but they'll be there.

Summer campers had a fun surprise on July 1 when Sue McGonegal from McG's Farm in Bradenton brought a series of rabbits both large and small to the camp.

Kids finished their arts and crafts and sat down to learn from McGonegal all about the many characteristics and traits of rabbits. McGonegal brought small bunnies as well as a massive Giant Flemish rabbit that the kids admired from a distance. 

The campers didn't just learn about the bunnies, they also had a chance to bond with them up close and personal. McGonegal and HSCC staff let a number of the rabbits out onto patches of carpet in front of campers, who were able to pet and learn more about them. 

 

Kids get acquainted with a number of bunnies.
Kids get acquainted with a number of bunnies.
Lana Bernard pets Giro the bunny.
Lana Bernard pets Giro the bunny.
Kira Stoddard gave pets to a tortoise.
Kira Stoddard gave pets to a tortoise.
Sophia Christeas with Harold the skinny pig
Sophia Christeas with Harold the skinny pig
The day featured a Flemish Giant Rabbit for kids to learn about.
The day featured a Flemish Giant Rabbit for kids to learn about.
A wandering tortoise made his rounds through the shelter space during the day.
A wandering tortoise made his rounds through the shelter space during the day.
HSSC staff handled Harold the skinny pig with care.
HSSC staff handled Harold the skinny pig with care.
Lana Bernard pets Giro the bunny.
Lana Bernard pets Giro the bunny.
Noah Greber learns how to hold Maci the ferret.
Noah Greber learns how to hold Maci the ferret.
Gavin Adair-Kottke picks up Eggplant the turtle.
Gavin Adair-Kottke picks up Eggplant the turtle.
Kira Stoddard is overjoyed with her visiting rabbit.
Kira Stoddard is overjoyed with her visiting rabbit.
Kira Stoddard is overjoyed with her visiting rabbit.
Kira Stoddard is overjoyed with her visiting rabbit.
Bunnies were ready to hop out and play.
Bunnies were ready to hop out and play.
Luca MacBeth and Gavin Adair-Kottke become quick friends with their rabbit.
Luca MacBeth and Gavin Adair-Kottke become quick friends with their rabbit.
London Beck studies her bunny.
London Beck studies her bunny.
Bunnies were ready to hop out and play.
Bunnies were ready to hop out and play.

 

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