Homeless bunnies hop into a happy life in the country

Tommy was one of three rabbits adopted by the Newman family.

The Newman family already had two dogs, three cats, an aviary, sheep and a bunny.

But in October, rabbits Tommy, Sesame and Buddy joined what mother Colette Newman calls "the menagerie".

The Newmans live in Coatesville, northwest of Auckland city, and have a 3.2ha property on which their animals roam freely.

The Newmans had adopted previously, and with the unexpected death of their lop rabbit, they felt it was fitting to visit the SPCA again.

Pure white Tommy, jet black Sesame and lop-eared Buddy joined the family. The family's choice to adopt was driven by the Newman's eldest daughter, Alex, who is passionate about rescuing animals.

As unwanted animals face eventual euthanasia, Mrs Newman sees every adoption as "saving a life".

She described Tommy as "very curious and friendly; he always wants to see what's going on".

Sesame is "more reserved ... she's got a touch of the wild about her" and Buddy is "a lovely soft lump, so cute and easy to pick up".

The bunnies join Pippa, the incumbent family rabbit.

Pippa and Buddy nest together, as do Sesame and Tommy.

But attempts to bond the four of them have ended in "fur flying everywhere."

Mrs Newman was impressed with the SPCA's application process.

"They were really protective of [the animals], and really wanted to make sure they were going the right home, which was lovely," she said.

The SPCA staff provided a highlight of the adoption process.

Mrs Newman singles out for special mention "the smiles on the faces of the ladies, knowing they were coming to a good home".

Mrs Newman and her family plan to adopt again from the SPCA.

"They are fabulous."

How to adopt
• Visit the SPCA village at 50 Westney Rd, Mangere
• Staff will assess your suitability
• Cats cost $160 for a kitten, $105 for a middle-aged cat and $55 for a senior. Dogs are $275 for a puppy, $255 for a middle-aged dog, $105 for a senior. Other animals vary.
• Profiles of pets available can be viewed at www.spca.org.nz