Rescue Hero Saves Long Island Bulls and Exotic Animals

John Di Leonardo, an animal rescuer and advocate, recently helped save a notorious Long Island bull that had been on the run for two months. Originally destined for slaughter, the bull, named “Bully Joel,” was finally located and peacefully moved to a sanctuary in New Jersey after a tense standoff.

During the rescue, authorities initially planned to shoot the animal, but upon Di Leonardo’s intervention, they agreed to corral him instead. Di Leonardo, who runs Humane Long Island, shared that his team rescues about 1,200 animals annually, often from neglect or abandonment cases across Long Island and New York City.

His rescue work extends beyond cattle—he was instrumental in saving a rare wallaby, dubbed “Jackie Legs,” found on a Coney Island boardwalk, after someone exploited the animal by charging for photos. Di Leonardo coordinated an undercover operation with the police, leading to the confiscation of the wallaby, who now lives in a sanctuary where she can thrive naturally.

He has also handled exotic animals, including a South African ostrich discovered in a basement in Bellmore. At just five months old, she stood nearly as tall as Di Leonardo and was frightened surrounded by venomous reptiles.

Animal abandonment is a growing issue, especially in Suffolk County, where many birds and other creatures are rescued weekly. Di Leonardo estimates that last winter alone, over 160 birds were taken from the infamous Double D Bar Ranch, which faced 112 counts of animal neglect. Despite threats and physical confrontations, Di Leonardo persists in his mission to protect these vulnerable animals.

In addition to rescues, he has negotiated releases from slaughterhouses by exchanging vegan foods and has even released a rare orange lobster into local waters after discovering it in a grocery store tank. His dedication stems from a desire to help animals exploited and harmed worldwide.

Di Leonardo emphasizes how animals often transform after being rescued, moving from fear to socialization within days. His work aims to give these creatures a second chance at life, showcasing their resilience and capacity for trust.