WELCOME TO ANIMAL MAGIC’S STORY PAGE!
For your convenience, we have copied several Internet articles related to Animal
Magic and pasted them to this document. They are in backward chronological
order (starting from the most recent). Please feel free to send us links to stories
you come across! Enjoy!
Letter to the Editor, Belleville Area Independent, May 22, 2008
We Have an Angel Among us in Sumpter
We have an angel among us in Sumpter. As many of you have heard by now,
there was a swan at Crosswinds Marsh that has had a fishing lure embedded in
him for at least the past few weeks, as well as a bunch of fishing line wrapped
around him and one of his back legs.
Channel 4 ran a story on it, as did the Detroit News. It seems no one could, or
would, help the poor thing. I personally called three different humane societies,
the DNR, and the police.
I also talked to the manager at Crosswinds and was told that he has been going
out in a canoe every morning but that he can’t get close enough to the swan to
help him. The DNR told me that they won’t help because swans are not native to
Michigan…they consider them an “exotic species.”
All three humane societies said that they don’t rescue animals like that (real
humane, huh?) Well, Sumpter police put me in touch with Mark Rosenthal, our
local exotic animal expert. You have probably seen him perform (Animal Magic)
at the Strawberry festival and at all the local schools. Mark showed up within an
hour of being called on a Friday night and had the lure removed and the fishing
line cut off an removed within 30 minutes!
He somehow caught the swan with his bare hands while he was still in the water
by having a bystander entice it with some bread. He told everyone to get back
(because swans have very powerful wings) as he lifted the swan onto the dock
(while still managing to keep himself dry!).
He used wire cutters that he had brought along to cut the hook from the lure that
was embedded in the swan. He then pulled the remaining piece through and out
of the swan.
He then straddled the swan while he attempted t remove the fishing line that was
severely cutting off circulation to his leg. It was wrapped around so many times
and so tight that he didn’t think he could cut it all off without injuring the swan, but
he did.
He massaged the back leg until he was pretty sure that the circulation was
getting through and he then said he was going to let him go.
The swan jumped off the dock and back into the water where it went out about
two feet and then turned around.
I will never forget the sight that we all witnessed. He rose up out of the water and
started flapping his wings, as if to say thank you.
I have been coming here every day for over a month to feed this remarkable
creature and I have never seen him do that. We all knew that he was thanking
Mark for saving his life.
He then swam out to the island where his mate was sitting on their eggs. He
hasn’t been able to climb up out of the water in weeks, due to his back leg being
tied up, but he was finally able to rejoin her and he looked and acted so happy.
I talked to Mark for quite a while in the parking lot as he was leaving and I tried to
give him some money for helping save this swan’s life. He wouldn’t accept
anything and he said he doesn’t do it for the money, he does it for the animals.
He thanked me anyway.
He said he was as happy as everyone there that he got to see this miracle bird
swim away, flap his wings again and rejoin his mate. Since the swan can’t write,
I just wanted to publicly thank Mark for all of his efforts and in everything his
organization does. He did what no one else would even attempt to do. I truly
believe that there is a special place in heaven for this young man.
Luwanda Page
Sumpter Township
This weekend, Event Center a wild
kingdom
Saturday, May 03, 2008
THE SAGINAW NEWS
Mark Rosenthal didn't mind when a 110-pound albino Burmese python curled around his body at the MidMichigan Pet & Family Expo.
''It's nothing,'' he said. ''I'm used to animals crawling all over me. I have wounds and bites all over my
body. I have no fear.''
The exotic animal expert and presenter at the three-day expo that began Friday admitted his love for
exotic animals can turn dangerous, but he said the risk is worth it for educational purposes.
His wildlife show, Mark Rosenthal's Animal Magic, is a blend of education, comedy and magic that
features exotic animals such as porcupines, tortoises, alligators, snakes, iguanas and even a sloth, a
slow-moving mammal that lives in trees.
''I show things you could only see on television or in the movies. We bring out all kinds of exotic animals,''
said Rosenthal, 45, of Belleville in Wayne County.
He will give additional shows at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. today at TheDow Event Center, 303
Johnson in downtown Saginaw. Sunday's shows are at
1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The expo runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to
6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12. Sponsors are The Saginaw News
and The Bay City Times.
SAINT JOHN - Jack Hanna, well known for his appearances on TV talk shows trying to educate people
about wild animals, says Wednesday's theft of a callimico Goeldi is akin to stealing the rarest of rare
paintings.
Rick Prebeg Photo
Wildlife expert Jack Hanna says it would be difficult to sell April, the callimico Goeldi monkey stolen from
the Cherry Brook Zoo.
"It's like stealing a Rembrandt," Hanna said Thursday from California, where he was getting ready to
appear on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. "It's worse than that."
Thieves broke into the monkey house at the Cherry Brook Zoo in the early morning hours Wednesday and
stole April, a baby monkey that was born there as part of an endangered species program last year.
"The point is, what are they going to do with it? They can't breed it," said the director emeritus of the
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio and TV show host.
Hanna said the zoo should take further steps to secure the remaining three monkeys because the thieves
could return looking for a breeding partner. Trying to get the monkey out of Canada, he said, would be an
almost impossible task.
"It's like taking a huge bazooka through airport security. I would try any of that stuff before I try and sell a
Goeldi monkey. I can't describe how difficult that would be."
With only 1,000 of the monkeys in the wild and captivity, Hanna called it a huge blow considering the
female monkey was on the verge of sexual maturity.
"To me extinction of an animal is more critical than a Rembrandt," Hanna said. "So you can't put a value
on this loss.
"I'm sitting here trying to figure out why somebody would do it."
Mark Rosenthal is also scratching his head over the news. His 10-acre animal sanctuary located outside of
Detroit, Mich., was the target of thieves in 2007.
"I thought it was one of my employees because it was the first theft that we had, and this is the weirdest
thing, every cage that they stole from they shut the doors behind them," Rosenthal said.
He said the doors were shut as if it was out of habit, just like the theft at Cherry Brook.
"It sounds like somebody knew what they were doing," he said of the Cherry Brook Zoo theft. "They went
in for a specific animal."
Rosenthal said he's often called by police to help remove exotic pets from the homes of busted drug
dealers.
"That would be a neat animal for a drug dealer to have," he said.
Eventually Rosenthal caught the thieves after seeing a picture of one of his animals on a webpage. The
gutsy crooks were giving endangered species shows using his animals and name. When police raided two
homes outside Flint, Mich., they found makeshift zoos inside.
Rosenthal got his beloved sloth and kinkajou back and a number of other animals. Police recovered 69
animals from the two homes. From snakes to toucans, the thieves had been on a furry, feathered and
scaly crime spree from Michigan to South Carolina to Florida. The members of the animal theft ring were
arrested and each face up to 10 years in jail.
The Cherry Brook's Zoo's Goeldi monkey was barely a year old. Its home is the rainforests of South
America.
"Like a Rembrandt or a Picasso, there's people willing to pay for it that are going to have it in their
personal collection, but nobody is ever going to see it," Rosenthal said.
Sadly, he said, if the animal is in the possession of a drug dealer, its days are numbered when it begins to
behave like a monkey - screeching through the night or biting.
"They're just going to kill it or get rid of it."
Linda Collrin, the director of Cherry Brook Zoo, said she spent Wednesday night listening to the thunder
and lightning storm wondering if the tiny monkey was safe. She woke up Thursday morning hoping to find
a box on her doorstep with the monkey inside.
"People are looking and we need to keep (the issue) out there," she said.
Hanna said he'll help spread the word.
"The zoo world will know about it immediately, because as of right now I'm going to start telling people
about it," Hanna said. "You won't be able to sell it to anybody."
Woman sentenced in exotic animal thefts
By Austen Smith, Editor
PUBLISHED: March 20, 2008
One of three individuals arrested in last year's theft of exotic animals from a Sumpter
Township sanctuary received three months jail time, two years probation and was ordered
to pay $35,000 in restitution during a sentencing held Monday in Detroit. Julie Marie
Lock, of Flint Township, was the first of the trio to be sentenced for the theft of more
than 70 exotic animals in an operation that extended from Michigan to Florida. Lock, 22,
along with her husband Adam Lock, 23, and accomplice Joshua Roberts, 24, were
arrested after a raid of their Mundy Township home where investigators found most of
the stolen animals. They also had an apartment in Flint where a number of stolen reptiles
were being held.
Lock pleaded down to one felony count after originally being charged with six. Lock has
been in jail since Genesee County since the time of her arrest and those days will count
toward her jail time.
Several of the stolen animals came from Mark Rosenthal's Animal Magic Sanctuary
including a rare seven-toed sloth, a fennec fox, an exotic toad and a kinkajou (a fox-like
mammal from the raccoon family). Rosenthal, who attended Monday's sentencing, said
his sloth, named "Seven," is now recovering after he was returned several months after
the theft, but his stolen wallaby died as a result of mistreatment and the kinkajou fox had
to have its tail amputated because of a broken bone. Rosenthal, a long-time exotic animal
handler licensed in the state of Michigan, does shows for schools, festivals and events.
"What they did has affected my family, my business. We lost shows because of them.
Some people would request to have Seven, so we couldn't do the show," Rosenthal said.
"I'm just glad it's done now and that she is serving jail time."
Rosenthal said during the sentencing, Lock apologized for the damage that she had
caused and that a number of family members were present for her support. Despite the
apology, Rosenthal asked that Lock not be allowed to have any contact with animals
during her probation period, which the judge granted.
After a long investigation by Sumpter Township police, Rosenthal said that he stumbled
on a Web page titled "ThoseAnimalGuys.com," and saw photos of his stolen animals.
Soon after, the Locks' home was raided by Mundy Township law enforcement in
coordination with Sumpter and Livonia police.
Adam Lock is currently awaiting sentencing, and Roberts is locked up in a Genesee
County jail on unrelated charges.
Joshua D. Roberts and Julie Lock agree to plea deal in thefts of exotic
animals
Posted by The Flint Journal February 27, 2008 16:05PM
Categories: Courts, Crime, Exotic animal thefts, Police
Left to right: Julie Lock, Adam Lock
and Joshua Roberts
Detroit -- Two defendants in an exotic animal theft case will learn their fate on St. Patrick's Day.
Joshua D. Roberts of Mundy Township and Julie Lock of Flint Township have agreed to plea deals in three Wayne
County cases involving stolen animals.
Prosecutors agreed to dismiss most of the charges in exchange for guilty pleas to two felonies, said Lock's attorney,
Philip H. Beauvais III of Flint.
The breaking and entering and larceny felonies carry 10-year prison terms, but Beauvais said sentencing guidelines for
Lock call for no more than 11 months.
"It's really sad," said Beauvais. "She's a really nice bright young lady who got caught up in a situation with her husband
and his friend." An attorney for Roberts could not be reached for comment.
The March 17 sentencing, however, will not be the last court appearance for the pair.
Roberts and Lock, along with Lock's husband, Adam, still face extradition to Florida to face charges involving stolen
Toucans. Roberts and Lock also face charges in Genesee and Saginaw counties, while Lock's case in Wayne County is
ongoing. The trio were arrested in November after raids on their homes turned up about 70 stolen animals, including a
kinkajou and a wallaby.
Julie Lock is being held without bond in the Wayne County Jail, while her husband is in the Saginaw County Jail.
Roberts is free on bond.
More court dates coming for Genesee County residents charged
in exotic animal thefts
by Bryn Mickle | The Flint Journal
Monday February 25, 2008, 8:32 PM
Joshua Roberts
GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan -- Court dates continue to pile up for a Flint Township couple and
a Mundy Township man charged in an exotic animal theft scheme that stretched to Florida.
While their alleged partner, Joshua Roberts, remains free on bond, Adam and Julie Lock are
locked up in county jails -- Adam in Saginaw and Julie in Wayne.
Police said November raids on their homes resulted in the discovery of nearly 70 stolen exotic
animals, including a Brazilian parrot, a wallaby and kinkajou.
In the weeks after the raids, charges have been sought in several communities, including;
• Flint Township, where police allege Roberts hid inside a Petco store on Miller Road last
October and, along with Adam Lock, stole $10,000 worth of flea and tick medicine.
Adam Lock
-- Bridgeport Township, where Roberts and Adam Lock allegedly broke into a zoo and stole
several tortoises and other animals.
• Sumpter Township, where the owner of an animal sanctuary said police compiled a 71-page
report alleging Roberts and the Locks broke in and stole numerous animals.
• Livonia, where the three face charges in connection with break-ins at two pet shops.
The trio also face criminal charges in Florida where the Marion County Sheriff's Department
intends to seek extradition.
A woman there claims someone stole six toucans, including four that were valued at $12,500
each.
Four of the birds were found during the November raids and the Locks and Roberts now face
felony theft and burglary charges in Florida.
The same woman who reported her toucans stolen told police she had purchased some of the
tortoises, unaware that they were stolen.
Jule Lock
Prior to their arrest last year, Roberts and Adam Lock had partnered together for an animal
exhibition group called "Those Animal Guys."
The pair's notoriety helped Flint Township police identify them in the Petco burglary after
workers recognized the pair on surveillance video taken shortly before the store closed for the
night.
Roberts was allegedly seen walking into the store wearing black clothing that matched that of
a man wearing a ski mask who set off a motion detector after the store closed.
Township police believe Roberts and Adam Lock needed flea and tick medicine for all of the
stolen animals.
"They took the whole display," said Flint police Sgt. Gene DuBuc.
Roberts has pleaded guilty in the Flint Township case and is scheduled to be sentenced March
11. Adam Lock has not been arraigned yet because he has been jail.
A trial date for Roberts in the Livonia case is set for March 18 while a Wednesday hearing in
that case is set for the Locks in Wayne County
Exotic animals found after bust
Rosenthal Googled "animal acts" and spotted his animals
By William Zilke, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: November 15, 2007
Adam Lock, 23, his wife Julie Marie Lock, 22 of Flint Township, and alleged accomplice
Joshua Roberts, 24, of Mundy Township, were arrested Nov. 8 in raids in two homes in
Genesee County.
More than 70 exotic animals were confiscated at the Flint Township home by several
Michigan police agencies working on the case. The home contained birds and mammals
and only had pine shavings on the floor for urine and feces and holes were punched in the
walls to install make shift perches for Toucans and other exotic birds.
The home held cages in every room, including animals stolen from Animal Magic owner
Mark Rosenthal.
The Mundy Township location contained reptiles including, frogs, tarantulas, scorpions,
poisonous snakes, tortoises and even a stolen monitor lizard.
The arrests mark the end of a very long and traumatic experience for the Rosenthals.
After two break-ins and thefts of exotic animals from his Animal Magic sanctuary nine
months ago, Rosenthal's only hope was that the animals be brought back alive.
The animals stolen could not survive in Michigan's climate, need very special, specific
diets and some of them have been raised by Rosenthal since they were babies and know
no other caregiver but him.
"I didn't know if they were alive or if they had even killed them," he said.
Though close to a year had passed since the first break in, Rosenthal did not give up
trying to find the stolen animals.
On Halloween, Rosenthal continued his search and Googled "animal acts" and other
pertinent key words on his computer.
Rosenthal was shocked and ecstatic with what he found.
"I saw Wookie, the kinkajou, on a Web site," he said.
"It was on the Those Animal Guys Web page."
He believes someone in the ring may have seen a hit on the Web Site come from Sumpter
Twp. and pulled the photos within 20 minutes.
A photo of Adam Lock originally appeared on the page with Wookie but it was quickly
replaced with one of Lock holding a snake instead.
"I called my USDA inspector and asked if they had a license for exotics," Rosenthal said.
"They did not."
If it wasn't bad enough that the trio stole Rosenthal's animals, they were brazen enough to
put photos of the stolen animals on the Web site or perform for Flint area school children
with a menagerie of stolen, scared animals, they then claimed to have Rosenthal's
Michigan State University degree, parts of his resume and his magic act. To add insult to
injury, the performing group "Those Animals Guys" actually listed Rosenthal as a
consultant.
Following up on clues and the bizarre public flaunting of the stolen animals on Nov. 6,
police raided the homes.
Not only did the trio not have any real knowledge of handling dangerous, potentially fatal
animals, police found "how-to" manuals for poisonous snakes and reptiles.
On Friday, Animal Magic held a fund-raiser and Rosenthal was happy to say he had
recovered his wallaby, fennec fox and an albino frog but no trace was found of the pinktoed tarantula, rare walking sticks and a sugar glider.
Wookie the kinkajou was a surprise, guest star at the fund-raiser held at Belleville High
School.
"When he saw me (last week), he came running up to me and licked my face," Rosenthal
said.
The fennec fox, who was trapped in a cage with a male and a pregnant female fox, was a
little worse for wear and tear, since he posed a territorial threat to the other foxes.
Rosenthal has assisted several police departments in rescuing exotic and dangerous
animals from alligators to poisonous snakes.
He has never charged for that service and police and animal control officers will not
handle wild, potentially deadly animals.
The animals are either shipped to zoos or Rosenthal, a licensed exotic handler, will keep
them if he cannot find a legitimate zoo or professional keeper for them.
The story has spread past the local and national media level and has gone global.
"My wife, Diane, saw it on a news-page from India," he said.
"I am so happy these animals are going back to their rightful owners."
Animal Magic is a non- profit organization and donations can be made at
www.iwantanimalmagic.com.
Stolen exotic animals seized in Flint,
Mundy townships
Wednesday, November 07, 2007 | 6:57 PM
69 animals recovered, including wallaby, parrots,
several foxes
By Matt Franklin
GENESEE COUNTY (WJRT) (WJRT) -- (11/07/07)--Raids at homes in Flint and
Mundy townships have turned up several stolen exotic animals. Investigators say they
believe the animals were taken from zoos and pet shops across the state.
In all, investigators say they recovered about 69 animals ranging from a wallaby, parrots
and several foxes. Police arrested three people Tuesday in connection to the case.
A tip lead Livonia police to a rental home on Dyewood Road in Flint Township. Inside
they found a home full of exotic animals and birds.
Police recovered six toucans worth about $30,000 apiece. There were also tortoises and
snakes in the home.
Flint Township police say a search warrant also was executed at a home on Crystal Lake
Drive in Mundy Township. They also recovered animals in that home as well.
Investigators suspect the suspects stole the animals from pet shops and zoos around the
state, including in Mid-Michigan.
An official with Wilderness Trails Animal Park in Birch Run says their fennec foxes
were returned Tuesday.
Investigators arrested three people -- a couple from Flint Township and a Mundy
Township man. All are believed to be in their 20s.
The three suspects are in jail in Livonia. They are expected to be charged later this week.
Investigators say they believe the three sold some of the animals and planned to use the
animals in an educational show for children.
(Copyright ©2008 WJRT-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
Stolen exotic animal trail leads to Flint area
Posted by Bryn Mickle and Kim Crawford | The Flint Journal November 08, 2007
10:18AM
Categories: Community - Genesee County, Top Stories, animal
Mark Rosenthal wondered if he would ever see his pet kinkajou, Wookie, again.
The kinkajou - which is related to the raccoon family - and other exotic animals had been stolen from
Rosenthal's animal sanctuary in Wayne County's Sumpter Township in February.
So you can imagine his surprise when a Google search last week led him to a Web site with a photo of a
familiar-looking kinkajou perched on the shoulder of a Genesee County man who was advertising a traveling
educational program featuring exotic animals.
"I raised him since he was a baby ... I knew it was Wookie," Rosenthal said in an interview Wednesday.
The discovery, coupled with more detective work, led police to two Genesee County homes Tuesday where
they found a large assortment of exotic animals that police believe were stolen in break-ins at pet
businesses in the Detroit area and a small zoo in Saginaw County's Birch Run Township.
So what exactly were three local people doing with two housefuls of exotic animals believed to be stolen?
"We're not 100 percent sure," said Livonia police Sgt. James Siterlet.
Livonia police expect to seek criminal charges today against a Flint Township couple and a Mundy Township
man, all in their 20s, who were arrested Tuesday after police raids on two homes turned up the unusual
pets.
A Flint Township rental house had cages in every room that housed everything from an Australian wallaby to
a Brazilian parrot. The Mundy Township house was filled with reptiles, scorpions and tarantulas, including a
monitor lizard named Rupert.
In all, police removed at least 20 birds, including valuable toucans, a dozen mammals and several fish.
Rosenthal, who owns the Animal Magic sanctuary near Belleville, helped police remove the animals. He said
the Flint Township house was "a mess."
Although it appeared the animals had been well cared for, holes had been punched in the wall for perches,
and animal feces covered the floor, he said.
"It was awful," said Rosenthal.
Police officers in Mundy and Flint townships only assisted in the raids.
Police said they are checking to see if any were stolen from Genesee County.
Detroit newspapers reported today that Livonia authorities said some of the animals were taken in an April
burglary of Discount Pet & Supplies and a July break-in at Stinger Exotics, both in Livonia.
The pets are now being cared for by Rosenthal.
"They took 'em away. ... I sure didn't want snakes being put in our property room," said a grateful Mundy
Township police Detective Mike Neering.
The manager of Wilderness Trails Animal Park in Birch Run Township is certain some of the critters
recovered in the raids once roamed her grounds, which experienced thefts on two occasions in September.
"The police don't want us to say too much because they are still investigating, but some of the animals
recovered are definitely ours," said Lynette Miller, who oversees the zoo.
"We do feel relieved that someone has been caught. We don't know if they planned to sell them or what."
In September, thieves hit Wilderness Trails, nabbing two types of tortoises, two fennec foxes and a wallaby,
which resembles a small kangaroo. The animals are worth nearly $6,000.
To make off with the tortoises, authorities said, someone climbed a fence near the front of the animal center,
used a tractor on the grounds to transport the 50-pound reptiles and then squeezed them under a fence.
Rosenthal said he suspected his animal break-ins were linked to the Birch Run Township thefts when he
learned that the thieves had closed the cages after the animals were taken.
"That was a tip-off. Why would you do that?" said Rosenthal.
The owners of some of the animals have been located, including a woman in Florida whose five rare
toucans were stolen, said Rosenthal, who plans to ship the birds to her today.
Although Rosenthal's fennec fox, wallaby and albino pacman frog joined Wookie in a safe return, he said he
is still missing a pink-toed tarantula, a breeding colony of rare walking sticks and a sugar glider.
In the meantime, Rosenthal is trying to track down owners of the other recovered animals, but he said he
wants to make sure they are returned to the rightful owners.
He said Livonia police have a list of the animals, and people should contact them about missing exotics.
So is there a big market for stolen pets?
"Yes and no," said Rosenthal, who said reptiles are a popular item for sale at swap meets.
Information from Journal News
February 22, 2007
King’s Court
Thieves can’t steal ‘magic’
By Andrea King
By publication deadline Tuesday, Mark Rosenthal, owner of Animal Magic in Sumpter
Township, had not gotten his three missing exotic animals back to his animal sanctuary.
Last week, his two-toed sloth, Seven, a wallaby named Pogo and an albino Argentine
horned frog named Jabba were stolen in the middle of the night.
There have been no leads as to who would do something like this, but Rosenthal has his
own ideas.
“It’s either one of three things,” he said. “The obvious one would be for a profit, but you
can’t sell these animals to just anyone. Another idea is for drugs. Maybe someone owes
someone and in trade would give them the animals, but that’s just a speculation. A
third—but hopefully not—is for a cult or satanic reasons.”
The animals may not be a big deal to some people, but to Rosenthal they’re part of the
family. He raised Pogo since he was a baby, bottle feeding him and letting him sleep in a
playpen in his bedroom. Seven has been part of the family for more than five years.
“They’re my babies,” Rosenthal said. “They can’t be replaced.”
Not everyone knows how to take care of these wild creatures either. All of them have a
special diet and climate requirements.
Rosenthal, who is licensed by the government to handle and breed exotic animals, knows
how to care for them correctly.
“I’ve been doing this for more than 26 years and this is the first—and hopefully the last—
time animals have ever been stolen,” he said.
As part of Animal Magic, Rosenthal puts on educational shows with the animals, who
can also be seen in area festivals and even TV appearances. Animal Magic is still
performing, however, missing three of its stars.
“It’s either someone who knows me, been out to the sanctuary or maybe it’s just someone
who has seen the show,” said Rosenthal. “I’m just really worried because these animals
are not handleable.”
Despite the grim chances that the animals are alive, Rosenthal said he’s still optimistic.
“In my heart I want to believe they’re still alive, but my gut is saying Pogo, the wallaby,
is no longer with us,” he said. “I’m not giving up hope, though.”
A reward is being offered for the safe return of Seven, Pogo and Jabba and, if that doesn’t
happen, the reward will go toward new animals.
Anyone who has any information or who would like to donate can do so at
www.iwantanimalmagic.com or (313) 819-5719.
http://www.journalgroup.com/Opinion/3273
Exotic animals disappear from Sumpter Twp. Sanctuary
Posted by Staff Reporter Susan Oppat August 31, 2007 16:55PM
Categories: Breaking News
Two more exotic animals were stolen from a licensed Sumpter Township sanctuary last week, leaving owner
Mark Rosenthal disheartened and afraid he'll have to close.
Courtesy of Mark Rosenthal Mark Rosenthal and Wookie, a
kinkajou, who as recently stolen.
"This has taken such a toll on us," said Rosenthal, who is licensed to rescue, rehabilitate, keep and display
exotic animals.
The latest theft resulted in the loss of Wookie, a kinkajou, and Ben, a fennec fox. In February, his two-toed
sloth, Seven, and two other animals were stolen.
Rosenthal said he believes the same person or people committed both thefts.
The animals are not pets, but Rosenthal, his wife and 15-year-old daughter, Jessica, are attached to them,
he said. The sanctuary includes several hundred animals used in shows at schools and carnivals.
Rosenthal said it's the emotional connection that could force him to close if new steel bars on the windows
and a new security system don't keep thieves out.
Courtesy of Mark Rosenthall, Jessica Rosenthal and Ben, a
fennec fox, who was recently stolen.
The steel bars were installed free of charge last weekend by a company that heard about the latest thefts.
The company also plans to reinforce the doors, Rosenthal said.
Rosenthal installed a security system after the February theft, but said power outages several weeks ago
ruined the system. It has since been replaced.
Rosenthal said he is hoping someone will donate security cameras that could capture images of the thieves
if they return.
He said Seven the sloth convinced him the same individuals were behind both break-ins.
When Seven disappeared, she was the largest of her species in North America at 43 pounds. She was
returned in her own crate seven weeks later, weighing just 21 pounds and near death from pneumonia, said
Rosenthal, who believes she was abused.
Rosenthal said Seven, who has gained 11 pounds, flinched when anyone came near after she returned. She
had since been running to Rosenthal, his wife or daughter - but her behavior changed the morning after the
second theft. Rosenthal said she hissed at him and showed her teeth.
"She was acting the way she did when she came back. I think she recognized them," Rosenthal said.
Rosenthal is offering a reward for the safe return of both animals. Anyone with information is asked to call
Sumpter Township Police at 734-461-4833 or contact Rosenthal through his Web site at
www.iwantanimalmagic.
American Jr.
The Belleville Strawberry Festival was a great time. It was my third time attending
the festival, which is held over Father's Day weekend. AmericaJR.com was proud
to be a sponsor of the 31st Annual Belleville Strawberry Festival.
Vendors were lined up on both sides of Main Street. Everything from strawberry
pie to strawberry shortcake to strawberry jam. There was a lot of 50/50 raffles for
various organizations in the area. You could purchase t-shirts, candles,
temporary tattoos and many other things at the vendor tents.
The first band that I saw perform was Aerodogy. It was a classic-rock group, that
was singing on the Main Stage. A few minutes later, I saw April Gibson, a local
country artist. She performed a lot of cover songs that were originally recorded
by Gretchen Wilson, Carrie Underwood and JoDee Messina, among others.
On the Frosty Boy stage, I saw the BMX Stunt Team perform. One guy was
driving his bike up the curved platform and he was making jumps in the air. They
were very courageous to make those stunts for the crowd. Everyone seemed to
enjoy it because they were applauding very much.
The festival also includes a fun and games area where kids can play for prizes.
They can win stuffed animals, photos of celebrities or other gifts. Most of them
only cost a dollar or two to participate. Bring your friends to have a competition
with them.
While everyone was getting of work at 5 p.m., Steve Berkemier was performing
on the Main Stage. He is a classic and contemporary soft rock singer. He did a
great job on the stage for over two hours.
Then, I checked out Mark Rosenthal and his Animal Magic show. It seems that
this guy has gotten more exotic and is willing to take more risks now than before.
He brought his animals that he tames down as pets. He also brings them to
house parties and other events. At the festival, he had a huge porcupine and he
took one of the quills and stuck it in his arm. After removing it, blood went
everywhere. He also showed a sloth and several other animals.
After that, I listened to Outta the Belly performs on the 4th Street stage. They are
an acoustic duet. They sounded very good.
Click here to watch a special video featuring highlights from the festival. (MPEG)
I am looking forward to the 32nd Annual Belleville Strawberry Festival in 2008.
AmericaJR.com is proud to be a sponsor of this great summertime event.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Sumpter Township
Exotic critters' theft pains owner
They could die without proper care
Doug Guthrie / The Detroit News
SUMPTER TOWNSHIP -- Mark Rosenthal hasn't slept since Sunday
morning's discovery of the theft of three exotic animals he has presented to
thousands of people during shows promoting wildlife conservation.
"I know it's ridiculous, but I waited up watching out the window until Monday
morning, hoping these people will realize they can't care for these animals
and they would bring them back," Rosenthal said. "I'm afraid it's not going to
happen and they could die."
Missing from Rosenthal's 10-acre Animal Magic sanctuary are Pogo the
wallaby, Jabba the pie-plate-sized Argentine horned frog, and Seven, an
unusually large two-toed sloth.
For 26 years, Rosenthal has operated a nonprofit to present exotic animals
in shows at schools, libraries and malls throughout Metro Detroit. His
message is that exotics are fascinating, but not good house pets. All three of
the missing animals were raised by Rosenthal and named by area
schoolchildren. He also has worked with local police, caring for exotic
creatures like snakes and alligators confiscated from suspects.
"I had animals that were more rare and worth more left behind, but these
(the sloth and wallaby) were two of my most prized so we fear it was
someone who saw us in a show," Rosenthal said.
The 2-foot-tall kangaroo-like wallaby might be worth up to $1,500; the sloth is
likely worth more than $4,000.
All three survive on specially prepared food for zoo animals. The wallaby and
sloth are particularly sensitive to cold. Wallabies also are notoriously nervous
and can injure themselves trying to escape.
"Those animals require special care and complicated diets," said David
Riherd, co-founder of The Animal Guys, Inc., a similar wildlife education
nonprofit in Altadena, Calif. "If they are in the hands of someone
inexperienced, I wouldn't expect these animals to survive for long."
Police can be called at (734) 461-4833. Rosenthal said he is offering an
undetermined cash reward.
Stolen Exotic Animal Returned
(Click On Detroit) February 12, 2007
BELLEVILLE, Mich. -- A stolen sloth has been returned.
Mark Rosenthal of Animal Magic said that someone returned the stolen sloth that
went missing seven weeks ago. The sloth was returned around 9:30 a.m.
Sunday. He said it appeared someone had tried to break in again. Other animals
were stolen as well in the previous break-in. They include a small kangaroo and
a rare frog. Those animals are still missing. Rosenthal was concerned because
the sloth could be dangerous. The sloth is in poor health condition. He said when
it went missing it weighs 43 pounds. It now weighs 21 pounds, according to
Rosenthal. The missing animals are not pets. They are used as educational
tools in schools and other places, according to Rosenthal. If you have any
information regarding the missing animals, call Belleville police at 734-699-2395.
Rosenthal is offering a reward.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Sumpter Township
Exotic critters' theft pains owner
They could die without proper care
Doug Guthrie / The Detroit News
SUMPTER TOWNSHIP -- Mark Rosenthal hasn't slept since Sunday
morning's discovery of the theft of three exotic animals he has presented to
thousands of people during shows promoting wildlife conservation.
"I know it's ridiculous, but I waited up watching out the window until Monday
morning, hoping these people will realize they can't care for these animals
and they would bring them back," Rosenthal said. "I'm afraid it's not going to
happen and they could die."
Missing from Rosenthal's 10-acre Animal Magic sanctuary are Pogo the
wallaby, Jabba the pie-plate-sized Argentine horned frog, and Seven, an
unusually large two-toed sloth.
For 26 years, Rosenthal has operated a nonprofit to present exotic animals
in shows at schools, libraries and malls throughout Metro Detroit. His
message is that exotics are fascinating, but not good house pets. All three of
the missing animals were raised by Rosenthal and named by area
schoolchildren. He also has worked with local police, caring for exotic
creatures like snakes and alligators confiscated from suspects.
"I had animals that were more rare and worth more left behind, but these
(the sloth and wallaby) were two of my most prized so we fear it was
someone who saw us in a show," Rosenthal said.
The 2-foot-tall kangaroo-like wallaby might be worth up to $1,500; the sloth is
likely worth more than $4,000.
All three survive on specially prepared food for zoo animals. The wallaby and
sloth are particularly sensitive to cold. Wallabies also are notoriously nervous
and can injure themselves trying to escape.
"Those animals require special care and complicated diets," said David
Riherd, co-founder of The Animal Guys, Inc., a similar wildlife education
nonprofit in Altadena, Calif. "If they are in the hands of someone
inexperienced, I wouldn't expect these animals to survive for long."
November 1, 2007
Animal Magic
Benefit will fund non-profit group
Click image to enlarge
Jewels, the snake, will be one of the many exotic animals at the upcoming charity
show and auction.
Mark Rosenthal’s animals are looking for a little extra help from their friends this year.
Thieves took six animals from Rosenthal’s 10-acre wildlife farm this year and only one
has been returned to his Animal Magic enterprise.
That’s made his visits to local schools and appearances at educational events throughout
the area with his wildlife “family” pretty difficult.
Once again this year, Rosenthal has planned a charity show and auction to keep his nonprofit organization operating throughout the community.
The event will take place from 7-9 p.m. on Nov. 9 in the Belleville High School cafeteria.
Anyone interested in placing a bid to generate funds for the exotic animal preservation
can do so during the silent and live auctions.
Rosenthal said this yearly event is all about the dedication to life science education.
“One hundred percent of the funds goes into the non-profit,” he said. “We want everyone
to come out, enjoy the free show and do whatever they can to help us out.”
The past year has been difficult for Rosenthal. Since February, a wallaby, a sloth, a
horned frog, a sugar glider, a fennec fox and a kinkachoo have been stolen. Sevin, the
two-toed sloth, was the only animal returned.
“People are happy to be able to see her again and so are we,” said Rosenthal. “She lost
half her body weight, she wasn’t eating and she was abused, but now she’s doing much
better.
“After that we talked about closing down the business, but the feedback was that we
shouldn’t,” he added. “Many kids grew up with me and the animals so they’re going to
do what they can to keep Animal Magic going.”
Now that Sevin is back, Rosenthal is also waiting to hear from the David Letterman
Show where the pair auditioned for an appearance.
“I do something with her that no one else has tried to do,” he said.
Even though Rosenthal hasn’t a clue as to the whereabouts of his other stolen animals, he
said police have received some leads and, he’s hoping to find all the animals.
“I’m not sure if they’d survive,” he said. “I’m pretty sure most aren’t alive because most
people don’t know how to take care of these animals. They’re not household pets.”
That’s why all the funds from auctions will go toward keeping Animal Magic alive, he
said.
“People send us these items throughout the year. Every single penny goes back to the
critters,” Rosenthal said.
Auction items include: a week stay at a beachfront Florida condo, bikes, Disneyworld
passes, gift certificates, passes to the Great Wolf Lodge, autographed memorabilia and
animal products.
The silent auction will start at 7 p.m. with pizza and beverages and, an Animal Magic
show to follow at 7:30 p.m. The live auction will take place at 8:30 p.m., along with
50/50 raffles. Photo opportunities with the animals will also be included.
For more information, call (734) 697-5383 or visit www.iwantanimalmagic.com.
http://www.journalgroup.com/Scene/6300
Animal Magic
Fund-raiser auction set 5 to 9 p.m. March 24
By William Zilke, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: March 2, 2006
When Diane Rosenthal was single, she knew
exactly what kind of a man she wanted — a
Crocodile Hunter like Steve Irwin.
Exotic animal trainer, magician and future
husband Mark Rosenthal saw the online
dating profile and answered her, not sure if
she'd believe he really does handle wild
animals.
The Rosenthals, now married, have recently
gained non-profit status for Animal Magic
Inc., the umbrella name for both Rosenthal's
live exotic animal and magic show and the
work he does with police departments.
"Drug dealers like to keep alligators and
rattlesnakes, it makes them look tougher," he
said.
Photo by William Zilke
Diane Rosenthal and her husband, Mark
Rosenthal, of Animal Magic Inc. will be hosting an
auction on March 24.
Purchase a copy of this photo
"As a non- profit, we don't charge police departments," she said.
Aside from rescuing exotic and relocating exotic pets once they've become too large or
too dangerous, the Rosenthals run a fullylicensed Haven here in Van Buren Township.
However, it costs $900 a month to keep it properly heated for the various environmental
needs of the animals.
As a result, Animal Magic Inc. is holding its first auction to raise funds from 5 to 9 p.m.
March 24 at the Sumpter Social Civic Club, 19865 Sumpter Road.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and include a one hour special
performance with some brand new never before seen exotic animals, a silent auction and
a pizza dinner.
The auction includes items such as WWE merchandise like jerseys, autographs and
action figures as well as autographs from John Travolta, Joan Rivers, Lance Parrish and
Evander Holyfield.
Other items include Pistons merchandise, a signed Nick Lindstrom hockey puck, signed
Detroit lions bag, a full size video poker game and, if you're 18 years of age, some
animals.
The Rosenthals will use the money partially for obtaining mates for the animals they
have.
"That way we can use their offspring when our animals we have now get older and our
animals won't get lonely," he said.
While Rosenthal is an experienced handler he stresses that owning exotic pets is unfair to
the animals. Owners can quickly discover how difficult and potentially dangerous they
are.
Sadly enough, it his experience assisting police with drug dealers that if they keep one
exotic animal, there are probably more in the house.
Animal Magic Inc. finds homes with zoos or keeps the animal at their haven.
But it isn't just drug dealers and exotic pet owners that need the Rosenthal's aid.
Sometimes, the wild comes to you.
"One time we got a call from a lady in Sumpter saying there was boa in her driveway.
Her husband said it was a python. I told her there are no pythons in Michigan because of
the climate," he said.
"I told her I was in my pajama but to bring it over. This lady hated snakes. Pretty soon
you could hear the tires squealing around the corner and her she comes. Her son has it in
a large Tupperware container."
Not sure what was in the box, Rosenthal slowly opened the lid to discover it really was a
ball python.
For more information on Animal Magic's educational programs or the auction call the
Rosenthals at 1-313-819-5719.
Links to Videos
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=B7840E1DC9F555681E8BF0
EC71671DC1?contentId=2348984&version=2&locale=ENUS&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=CCF5A2A8B6051FB8A8133E
DC4AF1F355?contentId=4865341&version=5&locale=ENUS&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=A0B0DB19EEF1805DC3BF5
CE6D5DCBE9D?contentId=3905206&version=2&locale=ENUS&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1