It’s hard to compete with bunnies. A guest appearance by eight adorable rabbits from Happy Tails Mobile Petting Zoo and Animal Sanctuary in Boerne stole the limelight at the recently held De-stress Fest, a biannual Student Life event offering a plethora of activities to help students unwind before their final exams.
Hundreds of students gathered at the Lecture Hall commons for the event, many of whom jumped at the opportunity to hold, pet and visit with some furry friends in the grassy area in front of the Medical School Building.
“The students loved the bunny petting zoo,” said Austin Cervantes, program coordinator, Office of Student Life. “They could not get enough of the bunnies, who were showered in love and starred in many pictures with students. It was a great way for our students to take a break for a few minutes out of their busy day and destress by petting or cuddling with the bunnies. We will definitely bring the bunnies back again in the future.”
Animals have consistently been a hit during past De-stress Fest events. Last November, students reveled in petting several therapy dogs brought by Paws for Services volunteers.
This time, bunnies were suggested, Cervantes said.
“Students consistently request for our office to bring in animals for stress relief,” Cervantes said. “One of the suggestions was to bring bunnies.”
The event — held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 23 — provided students an opportunity to play games, enjoy free massages and visit numerous tables where they could learn about campus offerings.
“We try to provide an event on campus that surprises our students; bunnies to hug and hold, free massages, random games along with the different departments to answer their questions, all before final exams to start creating some stress relief,” said Ben Rivers, associate director of student activities.
Students also enjoyed the opportunity to speak with representatives from financial aid, educational support services, counseling the campus police department and Gold’s Gym at the event.
The next De-stress Fest will be held in November.