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Photo by William Zilke
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Diane Rosenthal and her husband, Mark Rosenthal, of Animal Magic Inc. will be hosting an auction on March 24.
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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.
"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.
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