Has Rabbit hopped it? - Celebrity goes missing from Canal View Nature Reserve

Published: 21 April 2011
by DAN CARRIER

A FAMOUS inhabitant of Camden Town has gone missing – and worried friends fear the worse, writes Dan Carrier.

The celebrity in question is a small brown rabbit who appeared five years ago at a small nature reserve on the towpath of the Regent’s Canal.

But the rabbit – named, imaginatively, Rabbit – has not been seen since the beginning of March and now those who bade him a daily hello are resigned to the fact he may never hop towards them in the hope of a carrot again.

Rabbit, who appeared in 2006 at the Canal View Nature Reserve in Baynes Street, made himself a home in a secluded burrow on site and would do a daily round of nearby gardens to filch a snack or two. 

Neighbour Lester May said: “For the best part of five years, this lonesome creature gave pleasure to residents and passers-by alike. He would appear in the back garden of Reachview Close morning and evening, having got used to kindly residents who bought carrot crunchies from the supermarket and threw them from their balconies so the rabbit could snack as he pleased. ”

But Mr May is now concerned about Rabbit’s well being.

He said: “A young fox, who made the estate and surrounding area his territory in the past year, was aware of the rabbit’s presence, and Rabbit was seen to outrun the fox easily. But perhaps he did not do so as he moved into old age? 

“No one knows, as there is no evidence of his death, and he may just have walked off to pastures new. If you see a lone wild buck rabbit on the towpath, do let us know.”