NANAIMO, B.C. - A struggling petting zoo in Nanaimo, B.C., has been hit by thieves for the second time in just over a month.

Rabbits, ducks and feed were stolen Saturday night or early Sunday morning from the Nanaimo 4-H club barn in Beban Park, in the city's north end.

Nanaimo RCMP are investigating and are also probing the theft of a mother rabbit and four bunnies on June 29.

Barnyard supervisor Linda Barnett says the incidents could not come at a worse time for the 4-H farm and petting zoo,

She says it was hanging on until the opening of the Vancouver Island Exhibition, later this month, but was likely in its last year of operation, unless corporate sponsors can be found.