Welcome to the Funny Farm
By Tammy Thornton
Where can you meet Adele the Diva Chicken, Ricky and Lucy Peacock, or Stinky the Skunk? You can find all these animals and so many more at the Funny Farm Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Mays Landing—a true Hidden Gem of South Jersey. Only a short drive for most of our readers, this 15-acre privately owned farm in Mays Landing has rescued and cared for unwanted, abused, neglected, injured, and elderly animals since 2000. Domestic, farm, and exotic animals are given the opportunity to live out their natural lives in a happy, safe, and protected home. Animals that were once without hope are now living their very best lives.
President and owner, Laurie Zaleski and her staff of volunteers feed and care for the animals at the sanctuary, which is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operation. Each of these animals (currently the farm has over 600) has a story, and for most of them, the sanctuary was their last hope of being rescued. Filled with animals such as peacocks, cows, alpacas, rabbits, horses, goats, geese, donkeys, dogs, cats, chickens, skunks, a cockatiel, an emu, and a baby turkey, most of the animals roam free and get along well with each other.
Zaleski, who also works full-time at the FAA Tech Center and is a graphic designer/photographer, lives on the farm and plays mom to her menagerie of over 600 animals. Though sometimes she must separate her “children”, they mostly live together in harmony like one big (crazy) happy family. Zaleski uses the animals as an example to children of how to get along with others despite their backgrounds and differences. She visits local schools for free to present her “Funny Farm Kindness Program”. Zaleski brings some of the rescued animals with her to the assembly, and reads the Farm’s famous anti-bullying book “Farley the Funny Farm Dog”. Students learn that each of us has talents and abilities that make us unique. Most of all, the children learn kindness. “There’s no bullying on the farm!”, Zaleski tells the students. Kids learn lessons from the animals they will never forget.
Zaleski purchased the farm in 2000, intending it to be a gift to her mother who had rented a broken down house for some 28 years. Her mother Annie, who worked for animal control and took in injured and unwanted animals, had always wanted a farm of her own. Sadly, Annie passed away two weeks before settlement on the property. Annie’s dream quickly became Laurie’s mission.
Funny Farm hosts school field trips and other children’s groups, as well as nursing homes, and special-needs children and adult groups. Due to Zaleski’s full-time job and work on the farm, it’s only open to the public on Tuesdays and Sundays, from 8-4. But those days are continuous all through the year, including holidays.
Feeding that many animals is not an easy job. Funny Farm Rescue relies solely on volunteer staff and donations. In their peak summer season, 20-30 volunteers help on Tuesdays and Sundays.
Funny Farm also holds weeklong Critter Camps for children ages 6-12. Campers participate in numerous activities including learning teamwork, projects, and caring for animals.
Though Funny Farm is a rescue sanctuary and not a petting zoo, visitors are encouraged to interact with the animals and may purchase food to feed them. Admission is free on visiting days, but donations are always appreciated.
In 2018, Funny Farm Rescue released the documentary “Chuck: the Funny Farm Story”. They have also published another book about special needs and living each day to the best of your abilities. It’s called, “Chucky, the Miracle Dog.” A third book will be released this October 13th, about a Diva Chicken that lives in the house and teaches kids to be themselves. Proceeds go towards feeding and caring for the animals. One of the Rescue Farm’s biggest events of the year is the Funny Farm Fall Festival. This family-fun event includes hay rides, face painting, cornhole games, pumpkin painting, food trucks, live music, and, of course, feeding the animals. Last year the event attracted 10,000 people, a record number! This year’s festival will be held Sunday, October 13th, from 9-4. The event is free, but a donation of $5.00 per person is suggested.
Funny Farm Rescue is a nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) charity. They are always looking for volunteers to offer their time or money to help these wonderful animals. If you would like more information regarding visiting the farm or helping in some way, go to funnyfarmrescue.org, or check out their Facebook page for touching stories and videos about the animals under, “Funny Farm Rescue.” They can also be reached by calling (609) 742-9410. Their mailing address is: 6908 Railroad Blvd., Mays Landing, NJ 08330
Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.
