Nelson Mandela Has a Little Bunny in His Ear … and We’d Like to Adopt Her
Members of the government, who were unaware of the bunny’s presence until now, are considering having it removed. We think this is a shame – after all, being depicted as a friend to animals is a lovely way to be remembered. It brings to mind one of the leader’s most inspiring quotes: “[T]o be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”. Mandela was deeply committed to justice and freedom, so it’s hardly surprising to learn that he was a patron of the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
If the rabbit does end up being evicted from his home in the statue’s ear, we have a proposal to ensure that the beautiful sculpture is put to good use. We’ve written to South Africa’s Minister of Arts and Culture asking whether we can adopt the little cutie, in order to use her to highlight the plight of billions of rabbits and other animals who are slaughtered for their skins, used in forced labour or kept in chains and who are innocent but imprisoned and denied the chance to be free.
As our letter said, “We would be honoured to use the bronze rabbit, the same animal who proudly leaps across PETA’s logo, to honour Mandela’s vision of a more peaceful, kinder world”. We’ll keep you posted as to the South African government’s response!
