Picture a New Jersey cowgirl who turned her mother’s dream into a sanctuary for 600 rescue animals—meet Laurie Zaleski! A licensed pilot, entrepreneur, and author, Zaleski’s debut memoir, Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals, weaves heartfelt tales of resilience, compassion, and quirky critters. Her story is a wild ride of love, loss, and unstoppable determination.
From escaping a turbulent childhood to founding the Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary, Zaleski’s journey is anything but ordinary. Her infectious humor and boundless heart make her a beacon for animal lovers and dream-chasers alike. Ready to meet the woman who juggles emus, alpacas, and a graphic design empire?
The Making of Laurie Zaleski
Born in Gloucester County, New Jersey, Laurie Zaleski grew up in a world of contrasts. Her early years were marked by privilege, with a beach house and cocktail parties, until her mother, Annie McNulty, fled an abusive marriage when Laurie was just five. Annie’s courage set the stage for Laurie’s grit. Living in a one-bedroom shack, the family faced poverty, but Annie’s love for animals sparked a lifelong passion in Laurie. Working at an animal control center, Annie brought home misfit creatures, dubbing their home the 'Funny Farm.' This planted the seed for Laurie’s future sanctuary.
As a young adult, Laurie channeled her drive into education and entrepreneurship. While studying photography and graphic design at Rowan University, she worked as an illustrator at Campbell’s, laying the foundation for her company, Art-Z Graphics. Her promise to buy her mother a farm fueled her ambition, even as life threw curveballs.
Laurie Zaleski’s Unforgettable Stories
Zaleski’s literary debut, Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals, published in 2022 by St. Martin’s Press, is a heartwarming memoir that blends humor and hardship. The book alternates between Zaleski’s challenging childhood and the colorful antics of her sanctuary’s residents—like a blind cat with a duck sidekick or a steer inseparable from his alpaca pal. Critics praise its raw honesty and uplifting spirit, with People calling it a 'Book of the Week' and the Washington Post lauding its feel-good vibe.
Beyond her memoir, Zaleski has illustrated children’s books, including Farley the Funny Farm Dog, Chucky the Miracle Dog, and Adela the Diva Chicken, which promote anti-bullying and kindness. Her writing style is conversational, brimming with emotion and wit, reflecting her mother’s knack for finding humor in chaos. Themes of resilience, compassion, and second chances resonate, making her work a love letter to animals and the human spirit.
Zaleski’s storytelling extends beyond the page. Her weekly Facebook Live sessions at 10 a.m. ET showcase the sanctuary’s animals, drawing viewers from the U.K. to Australia. These broadcasts, born during the COVID-19 pandemic, amplify her mission to educate and inspire.
Why Laurie Zaleski Matters
Laurie Zaleski’s impact transcends her 25-acre sanctuary in Mays Landing, New Jersey. The Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary, home to over 750 animals, is a haven for the abused and neglected, offering free entry to foster inclusivity. Her Kindness Program visits schools, using animals to teach anti-bullying and empathy, shaping young hearts. Awards like the 2024 William von Liebig Foundation Award and the 2017 New Jersey Heartland Hero honor her tireless advocacy.
Zaleski’s memoir and media presence— including appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show—have made her a global inspiration. She proves that one person’s vision can ripple outward, saving lives and sparking compassion. Her story reminds us that even in chaos, love and determination can build something extraordinary.
- About Laurie Zaleski
- Founded Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary in 2001.
- Published Funny Farm in 2022.
- Received the 2019 Who’s Who of Professional Women award.
- Licensed pilot and CEO of Art-Z Graphics.
Snag Funny Farm and dive into Laurie Zaleski’s heartwarming world of rescue and redemption! Whether you’re an animal lover or a fan of unstoppable dreamers, her story will leave you smiling.