Observatory’s beloved animal sanctuary teaching kids kindness
The sanctuary is a safe space for rescued animals while teaching children and families the value of kindness and care.
Nestled in the Observatory Sports Grounds, Bunny Hop Haven is an NPC, a sanctuary that is as much about healing hearts as it is about housing animals.
The Haven is a delightful rescue and educational centre where the simple act of caring is nurtured every day. What began with a modest enclosure and a few rescued rabbits has grown into a treasured community space, home to a colourful mix of exotic pets and small farm animals.
Founded by Andrea Berzen, a former educator with a passion for animal welfare, the sanctuary began modestly with a few enclosures and a desire to make a difference. What started as a caring gesture has grown into a dynamic space that now welcomes school groups, families, special-needs visitors and even retirement homes.
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Bunny Hop Haven offers an engaging experience for all ages. Children delight in feeding the animals with buckets of vegetables while learning about responsible pet care and the importance of kindness. It’s not just a petting zoo; it’s a place where values are nurtured through interaction.
While some animals are rehabilitated and adopted into new homes, others remain permanently due to their specific needs or histories. The sanctuary doesn’t rehome its goats and pigs, for example, as they are considered lifelong residents. The adoption programme for smaller animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and ducks is thorough, ensuring each animal finds a safe and suitable home. Prospective adopters are carefully screened, and in some cases, even asked to bring their existing pets in for compatibility sessions.
Although the sanctuary has grown steadily since officially opening its current site in April 2017, the challenges have also increased. Maintaining a safe, weatherproof environment for more than a hundred animals is no small task. Food costs, medical care, sterilisation fees, and shelter maintenance all place a constant strain on resources.
Bunny Hop Haven relies heavily on public support. Entry fees – R60 per child (including a vegetable bucket) and R50 per adult, help cover basic costs, with extra veggie buckets available for R20. Group and party bookings are welcome by arrangement. But to keep up with the needs of their growing population, the sanctuary urgently requires donations.
“We need ongoing support for food, vet bills, sterilisation procedures and, importantly, upgrades to our facilities,” said Berzen. “The enclosures and shelters need reinforcement to withstand changing weather, and we’re always in need of building materials – wood, sand, cement, even tools. Every little bit helps.”
As more animals find their way to the haven, the need for community involvement becomes ever more critical. Donations of food, equipment, and funds make a direct impact on the lives of the animals and the children who learn from them.
Bunny Hop Haven is more than a rescue; it’s a reminder of how compassion can create change. And in a world that often moves too fast, this little sanctuary invites everyone to slow down, connect, and care.
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