Reward for return of rescue farm’s missing rooster grows to $2K


Squiggy the rooster has been missing since Tuesday, November 8.

© Nicolas Fernandes/nj.com/TNS Squiggy the rooster has been missing since Tuesday, November 8.

Squiggy, a wildly popular rooster who’s lived at a rescue farm outside Mays Landing for two years, has been missing a week now and the reward for his return sits at $2,000.

Laurie Zaleski, founder and president of Funny Farm Rescue and Sanctuary in Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, said Tuesday that the publicity from news stories since Squiggy vanished last Tuesday, Nov. 8, has led to many tip calls reporting possible sightings.

But none have panned out.

Zaleski believes someone took Squiggy, or he accidentally hopped into someone’s vehicle – either way, they’d like him back, and she said she’ll ask no questions or press charges if he’s returned safely.

She reiterated that it’s unlikely a predator, like a hawk, got to Squiggy, since he’s always around humans at the farm, where he is one of the starring attractions. Kids love to hold him so much, he often falls asleep in their arms, and Zaleski and staffers often limit the time people can hold him so everyone gets a chance.

Also, last Tuesday, the farm has more visitors than normal since it was Election Day and schools were not in session.

“We had over 600 people here and kids were fighting over him,” she said. He disappeared after lunch time.

“That’s why we feel strongly he was snatched by a human and not a predator,” Zaleski said.

The reward, which started last week at $500, has grown to $2,000, thanks to seven generous donors, some which have said the farm, a nonprofit, can keep the money even if Squiggy does not return.

Such a rooster has no major monetary value, Zaleski said, and it’s likely someone just wanted him as a pet.

Squiggy’s popularity has led people to ask to adopt him, but Zaleski politely declines. “We want everyone to enjoy him.”

If a human does have Squiggy, and they have close neighbors, they’ll know. When not napping in someone’s arms, “He is a loud little boy,” Zaleski said with a laugh.

Someone with an acre of land, the requirement for some New Jersey towns, could have Squiggy, or he could be in someone’s home – not likely, but it could happen. “It could be anything,” she said.

“I just hope whoever has him is feeding him and treating him well,” Zaleski said.

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Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com.

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