Rabbit Culling on Robben Island

The estimated 25 000 rabbits on Robben Island are currently being culled. Due to their overpopulation, the habitat of indigenous wild are in such a state that many already starved to death.

With Cape Nature Conservation and private companies working together, the rabbits are providing food to needy communities all around the Cape Peninsula. Nonetheless, as a 100% organic and disease-free meat, this is not a low-class product... It also caresses the pallets of tourists in upmarket restaurants in the Cape Winelands!

As an animal/nature lover, I was hesitant about doing this story... Going on an overnight trip to Robben Island for a 'Cute Little Bunny-rabbit Killing Spree' wasn't really my idea of having fun, but I quickly realised the importance of this project. The Island is in desperate need of rehabilitation and the culling was done in the most humane and professional manner possible. The hunters were trained professionals with years of experience, and were regularly monitored by SPCA inspectors.

The image of the heads facing the lens might seem a bit graphic to some, but it is purely to illustrate an interesting fact: Apparently, during World War II, cat meat were falsely used as rabbit meat... by keeping the heads on, the buyer can identify the animal by inspecting the teeth on the carcass.