The Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary in Mays Landing is a place where it doesn’t matter who you are, what you look like, or what you do. All animals, and humans, are welcome with open arms (or paws!). Founded by Laurie Zaleski, the Funny Farm has become a bit of a phenomenon, putting itself, Mays Landing, and all the good it does, firmly on the map.
Want to take a peek at the magic of the Funny Farm for yourself?
All you need to do before your visit is sign a quick waiver online. Then, you’re free to experience the farm every Tuesday and Sunday, rain or shine — even on holidays. Entry and parking are completely free, and for just $4, you can buy a feed bucket in the gift shop and hand-deliver snacks to goats, pigs, horses, and over 750 other residents.
Zaleski jokes to first-time visitors, “Don’t wear your best shoes and don’t wear white, it is a farm. As clean as we do keep it, there will still be dirt or mud, and the animals may really like you and nuzzle up against that white shirt!” Closed-toed footwear is also recommended for walking around.
When you arrive, it feels a bit like pulling into an open-air safari. Only here, the giraffes are replaced by friendly donkeys, curious cows, free-roaming horses, and the occasional goat eager to inspect your car. Staff always give the same friendly warning: “Drive in as slow as you can, but once you park, hop out quick because the animals may jump in your car!”
Once parked, you’re free to explore at your own pace. While a casual visit takes about an hour to 90 minutes to see every animal, many guests stay far longer.
“Sometimes people stay close to five or six hours,” Zaleski laughed. “I see them hours later and I’m like, ‘OMG — you’re still here?’”
From house-living goats to emus, every corner of the farm offers something special to see. One of the newest residents, a baby pig named Skittles, is already winning hearts with her cuteness. You’ll also want to say hello to three recently rescued goats and, of course, all the seasoned favorites everyone knows and loves.
“It’s like Disney World here for the animals,” Zaleski said. “People always ask how we’re able to leave the gate open with the animals free to roam, but they don’t want to leave and why would they?”
What makes the Funny Farm even more meaningful is that for most of these animals, this was their last hope. Many live with disabilities or have come from difficult backgrounds. Here, they flourish and thrive.
“The animals just get to be animals here,” Zaleski explained. “They flourish regardless of their disabilities and just get to live their best life, free to roam and coexist together.”
And coexist they do. From pigs to donkeys to dogs, every animal has a place here and is part of one big, loving family.
The Funny Farm operates entirely on volunteers. Anyone can sign up on the website, show up on an off day, and lend a hand. Children under 15 just need to come with an adult.
Education is a core part of the mission. Between school kindness programs, Critter Camps (complete with certified teachers), and group tours, the message is simple: “If all these different species of animals can get along here, why can’t we as humans?”
Visitors tend to stay off their phones, aside from snapping photos, because the place is just too interactive to scroll. You’re not watching animals from behind glass. You’re with them, among them, connecting with them and having a great time.
The Funny Farm officially opened to the public in 2012, but Zaleski purchased the property in 2000, continuing a dream her mother once had. What began as saving a few animals has grown into a nationally recognized destination, featured on talk shows and in major publications. And yet, the heart of it all remains deeply local.
With over 750 animals and $10,000 monthly payments for just the feed bills, keeping the sanctuary running isn’t easy. Donations are welcome, but never expected, from visitors.
“People don’t always realize what it takes,” Zaleski said. “They ask if I’ve always wanted to do this, I say ‘hell no’, but I would never change a thing.”
Many visitors don’t even realize the animals have disabilities or traumatic pasts, because they appear so happy and healthy. That’s the power of the Funny Farm. It exists “to give animals and people a better chance.”
Every rescued life, every family outing, and every helping hand paints a brighter picture of what happens when compassion gets room to roam. And if you leave with muddy shoes and a phone full of goat selfies? Even better.
So, gas up, drive slow, and enjoy the magic of the Funny Farm, where kindness has four hooves, feathers, and plenty of room to run.
