A conversation with Laurie Zaleski
Laurie Zaleski founded Funny Farm Animal Rescue in Mays Landing with a simple belief: every animal deserves a second chance. What began as a dream rooted in compassion has grown into a safe haven for abused, neglected, and abandoned animals of all kinds. From farm animals to pets in need, Funny Farm provides more than shelter; it offers care, stability, and the time to heal.
Through hands-on leadership and unwavering dedication, Laurie has created a sanctuary where animals are treated with dignity and respect. The farm spans more than 15 acres with 600+ animals, and welcomes visitors free of charge on select days, allowing families to interact with the rescued animals who call it home. While some animals are adopted, many are given lifelong care. Inspired by her mother’s compassion for rescuing animals, Laurie turned a promise into a thriving haven that continues to inspire kindness and community involvement.
Here’s our Coastal Conversation:
AS: What makes Funny Farm unique?
LZ: The Funny Farm Rescue is the largest animal sanctuary in the northeast where all of the animals are rescues. Instead of cages and kennels, the animals largely coexist together and visitors can directly interact with these wonderful animals. Most animals are allowed to roam and socialize, which is extremely rare in rescue facilities.
AS: What inspired you to start Funny Farm Rescue?
LZ: My mom and her endless love for animals is what inspired me most. With practically no money or resources my mom was able to save hundreds of animals when I was a child.
AS: What animals do you help?
LZ: Horses, cows, goats, pigs, donkeys, alpaca, chickens, ducks, swans, quail, peacocks, sheep, emu, pigeons, turkeys, parrots, dogs, and cats. Just to name a few.
AS: How does community support keep you going?
LZ: The community is the reason that the Funny Farm is so successful. Because the rescue gives lifetime care to hundreds of animals and keeps admission free, it survives almost entirely on people choosing to participate every day. Some people donate money but most give time by volunteering to help. Some donate supplies and materials to help the animals and others will adopt or just spend time with the animals.
AS: What is your most memorable rescue?
LZ: Three pigs were left abandoned without food or water in a shed with no roof to die. I drove there in the pouring rain and tried to catch wet pigs that were scared to death. It was more than I was ready for. Eventually, I did get them and now they are living a life full of love.
AS: How can people help if they can’t adopt?
LZ: People definitely don’t have to adopt an animal to make a huge impact. In fact, most of the support that keeps the sanctuary running comes from people who never take an animal home. People volunteer their time, they donate money, food or supplies. You can always spread the word about our mission and can purchase Funny Farm merchandise. You can also attend our fundraising events where we raise money and awareness for our rescued animals.
AS: What challenges do rescues face today?
LZ: There are many more animals that need homes but not enough rescues. Also, the rising cost of veterinary care and inflation put pressure on our resources because we still function on the same donations. We also struggle with volunteer turnover. We train people and get them comfortable working here and then they may go back to a job or go back to school. We face a unique challenge because we don’t cycle many of our animals through. We commit to care for life. This creates a space limitation that makes it difficult to take in additional animals. The Funny Farm is not just rescuing animals, we are continually working to remain financially and emotionally sustainable while we carry out our mission.
AS: What keeps you motivated?
LZ: I get this question often because rescue work is exhausting, heartbreaking, expensive, and never really “finished.” However, when we witness an animal trust again or watch them receive love it makes it all worth it. It’s the fact that we offer a permanent home of care and love to these animals who once had little to no hope. We also have a kindness program and watching kids learn kindness and visitors overcome their fears is heartwarming. We also see our work make a difference when people start treating animals differently and future neglect is prevented because of our community education. Seeing so many people come together to help those animals that can’t help themselves is very rewarding.
AS: What is your hope for the future?
LZ: The real dream is to have fewer animals needing rescue. I hope more people keep their pets instead of surrendering them. I would also like to change the mindset of people that adopting a pet from a rescue is the default, rather than the alternative.
Thank you, Laurie, for being this week’s guest on Coastal Conversations and for sharing the heart behind Funny Farm Rescue. Your compassion and dedication remind us that second chances can change lives, both for animals and for the people who care for them.
Coastal Conversations highlights people in our community who are making a meaningful impact. If you know someone who would be a great fit for a future column, please contact me at ShoreCoastalConversations@gmail.com.
From the shore to your door, let’s keep the conversation going.
