Last year the ferret community was introduced to Joel Vanderbush, who presented at the Portland Symposium and was a source of great inspiration and entertainment at the dinner and auction. It is, therefore, with great pleasure that I introduce to you the other half of Animalia (http://www.animalia.us), his lovely wife, Ailigh. Many of you may have met her in Portland, or you may have read her posts in Ferrets magazine, where she serves as the behavioral consultant and answers your questions about your critters <http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/ferrets-magazine/ferret-behavior-expert/topiclist.aspx> Ailigh and Joel met during a zoo visit on Groundhog Day (February 2, 2001) and, as Joel remembers it, it was love at first whiff. "I had worked with ferrets in Zoo education programs for 10 years. One day at the Indianapolis Zoo, a woman entered my office and she smelled like ferrets. Like the sweet smell of ambrosia, I was hooked. About a year later, I married that ferret smelling woman." Ailigh also counts this meeting as one of her most memorable experiences. "He tells me I smell like ferrets (match made in heaven)" she said, and continues, "We were married in 2002 and our own family has grown since to a current 58 animals" including 17 ferrets! This is a bit up from the six British ferrets she brought with her from the UK. Originally a reptile owner, Aliligh was drawn to the furry little critters we love. "I had always thought about ferrets since the movie Beastmaster and when the opportunity came to add a ferret to my life, I took it. I already had an iguana, so something furry seemed like a good idea. From that point, I was hooked." Same story we all share! Ailigh's first ferret came from the RSPCA in England. "I brought him home, Cat was his name, and he was a feisty biter so I decided to get him a playmate, Mouse. Then ferret math took over and now we have 17." As an animal behaviorist, Ailigh has the opportunity to work with animals daily. One ferret, Jerry, would probably be a sure bet on America's Got Talent. "My ferret Jerry ... was so well trained. He could stand up, turn around, and heel!" Other than ferrets, Ailigh and Joel have had several memorable moments. For example, "Coming face to face with a wolf at Wolf Park or possibly safari in Africa when we spotted a very rare leopard," said Ailigh. Joel, however, remembers, "That would either be when a reindeer nearly disemboweled me or when a rhinoceros nearly bit my finger off." These two spend most of their time with their business, Ailigh says. "I clean animals, speak to the public about responsible animal care, and work on my masters in animal behavior. If I have any extra time left over I love to read science fiction and try out new things to train, like scent discrimination for rats, etc." Joel and Ailigh are still renovating their house and taking care of the animals. In the days before they became so domesticated, Joel also was a character. No, really! Just ask him about being a stage performer in shows like Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Pirates of Penzance Given 24 hours with anyone Ailigh would choose science fiction author Robert Heinlein. "He was a master writer and had an uncanny ability to figure out what would happen and then write about it." Joel's choice would be Jane Goodall. Having met her, he says that "to spend some time with someone who has really used her passion for animals and through her efforts has literally changed the lives of millions of people - that is what makes not only a role model, but also a hero." Ailigh's taste leans toward Richard Bach, however, citing her favorite books as Jonathan Livingston Seagull and Illusions. Both Ailigh and Joel love the movie "Beastmaster," but their taste in music is a bit diverse. Ailigh prefers Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, The Ramones, Runrig, and musicals, while Joel likes to listen to Big Band and Swing. He has operated a DJ company for the past 17 years. This couple is quite a duo. Ailigh says, "I don't necessarily have a hero, but I admire and respect anyone who follows their passion and puts the needs of others before themselves." And she is one of those people. Ailigh would like to be remembered "as someone who worked hard to make a difference in herself and those that she met." Joel would like to be remembered as "A man of passion and action that didn't just care about animals, the environment, and education, but actually did something about it." These two young people have already made a difference in their world. "ANIMALIA is dedicated to promoting education, responsibility and conservation of animals and the environment in which they live. In doing so, ANIMALIA conducts education outreach programs, animal behavior consultation and training and offers a full range of professional consultation services. The broad experience of the staff of ANIMALIA includes service as professional educators, consultants, writers, artist, and zookeeper." ANIMALIA can be reached at [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask], through their website at www.animalia.us or by calling (317) 695-5464. Ailigh will be presenting at the 2008 Portland Symposium. And, please welcome your moderator, Joel! -- Renee Downs "Eventually we will realize that if we destroy the ecosystem we destroy ourselves." Jonas Salk "The most effective way to do it, is to do it." Amelia Earhart It's amazing how much can be accomplished if nobody cares who gets the credit! Ferret Emergency Response, Rescue & Evacuation Team (F.E.R.R.E.T.) http://www.ferretemergency.org [log in to unmask] International Ferret Congress http://www.ferretcongress.org American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org [Posted in FML 6020]