A rabbit statue standing beside the Ioannovsky Bridge, just outside the Peter and Paul Fortress, was temporarily taken down for urgent repairs. The monument required immediate attention to address a risk to its integrity, according to the St. Petersburg Committee for the Development of Transport Infrastructure, known as CTI or CTTI in Russian shorthand.
Officials explained that the crack appeared in the statue’s ear, a flaw discovered by workers from Mostotrest while they were assessing the condition of the icebreakers secured to the bridge supports. The find prompted a rapid response to safeguard the sculpture and the surrounding area. The decision was made to remove the statue from its perch and transport it to a secure base where repairs could be carried out in a controlled setting. Restoration work was expected to proceed over the following weeks. [citation: St. Petersburg Committee for the Development of Transport Infrastructure]
During the initial inspection, specialists could not determine the root cause of the damage. They noted that the monument exists in an environment marked by harsh and fluctuating weather conditions. The assessment highlighted how the statue endures heavy winds, freezing temperatures, rain, and snow, all of which contribute to material stress over time. In particular, technicians observed that the protective coating on one side of the statue had thinned, revealing the underlying layers to the elements. The persistent exposure to precipitation with each season accelerates wear on outdoor sculptures in exposed coastal climates. [citation: St. Petersburg Committee for the Development of Transport Infrastructure]
Officials added that the wear observed on the rabbit statue is not solely a natural consequence of the climate. They noted a human factor as well. People visiting the site and leaving coins for luck or remembrance sometimes use magnets to collect coins left by tourists. In the process, magnets can strike the statue and leave visible marks, compounding the already sensitive condition of the paint and surface. This misuse underscores the need for protective measures and clearer guidance for visitors to safeguard public monuments. [citation: St. Petersburg Committee for the Development of Transport Infrastructure]
Earlier incidents in the same district included damage to another public monument, the Monument to Baron Stieglitz in New Peterhof, caused accidentally by a tractor. The episode serves as a reminder that restoration and maintenance require ongoing attention to prevent similar harm to cultural assets while they are exposed to daily weather and human activity. [citation: St. Petersburg Committee for the Development of Transport Infrastructure]