Petition Asks American Dream To Forego Having Rabbit Fields

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A woman has filed an online petition urging American Dream from having rabbit fields at its 3-million-square campus.

The fields, along with bird-filled aviaries will be in one of six atriums, each one uniquely designed. The petition specifically asks American Dream not to use "live animals as Instagram props."

"I am very concerned about these rabbit fields that will be built into the new mall," said Aly Huelster, the petition's author. "Who will be responsible for caring for the birds and rabbits? What kind of enclosure will they be kept in? Will shoppers be allowed to interact with live animals? The whole idea is very questionable, and should not come to fruition."

There is going to be a lot of spots at American Dream that are Instagram-friendly where people can take pictures and selfies, like a fashion fountain that becomes a catwalk and a tree-like sculpture that plays music.

"I do not think American Dream should be exploiting live animals for shoppers and tourists," Huelster said. "I can't image a scenario where live animals would thrive living in a mall."

Nearly 850 people signed the petition as of Wednesday afternoon.

An American Dream spokesperson could not be reached for comment.

The rabbit fields are just one of the unique entertainment offerings American Dream will have when it opens in the fall. (See related: American Dream Meadowlands Pushes Opening Date Back — Again)

American Dream will include a Nickelodeon Universe theme park with the steepest roller coaster in the world, the world's first MUNCHIES Food Hall, the first indoor ski and snowboard park in the Western Hemisphere with an 800-foot-high ski slope and an ice-climbing wall, and the first Sea Life Aquarium in New Jersey with a walk-through, saltwater tunnel.

The long-delayed project was originally slated to open in 2017, but financing problems caused construction delays. The project dates back to 2003 when it was the ill-fated Meadowlands Xanadu project. Triple Five took it over in 2011. (See related: It Appears American Dream's Opening Has Been Pushed Back (Again))

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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