SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) — They may seem a little late arriving over a week after Easter, but late Monday afternoon, several large illuminated rabbits were installed at San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza.

The giant inflatable bunnies are part of an art installation.

“Feels like I’m in ‘Alice in Wonderland’ at the moment,” said one San Francisco City Hall visitor as he walked by.

The giant white rabbits being installed are actually a public art piece entitled “Intrude” by Australian artist Amanda Parer. The two-story illuminated blow-up bunnies have toured the world before arriving at the steps of City Hall.

“This is really, perhaps, the most-seen light piece to tour the world,” said exhibit producer Chris Mangro. “It’s been in many, many countries and over 20 cities. It’s just starting.”

And while most who see them are charmed by these flop-eared visitors, they carry a serious message.

“It would look really good at nighttime, but they don’t belong here,” said another visitor.

That’s actually the whole point of the piece. You see, when humans introduced rabbits into Australia they became an invasive species that has wreaked havoc on the environment. So, while some see these as cute bunnies, others can view them as a warning about man’s ability to alter the environment in a big way.

“So, you know, it works on many levels,” said Mango. “And the nice thing is it actually does work on all those levels.”

“What’s great about this is, it’s a space where everyone can come and enjoy it and just take what they want out of the piece,” said Kate Patterson with the San Francisco Arts Commission.

To prevent the kind of vandalism that Super Bowl 50 artwork was targeted with, the bunnies will get 24-hour security from now until the exhibit ends on April 25th.