While the business is all Bill's, Diane helps out with grooming, feeding, and medications, and often accompanies Bill to presentations. I n addition to his rehabber's license, Bill holds a special exhibitor's permit. You have to prove you have experience doing programs and know what kind of care to give and which diets are involved. The Boesenbergs care for and exhibit many species native to New Jersey including the box turtle, wood turtle, snapping turtle, eastern king snake, northern pine snake, and a rare corn snake confiscated from its owner. By arrangement with the state, Bill takes care of orphaned and confiscated animals taken away from owners due to neglect, abandonment, or because it is illegal to own that particular animal in New Jersey.
Some species are illegal to own under any circumstances, like sharks or electric eels.
Sometimes Bill is able to place orphaned pets with willing owners. He places them based on his evaluation of the animal and the person. If the species requires a permit, Bill verifies that the permit is in force before handing over the animal. Sadly, Bill gets calls on a weekly basis to go pick up an animal someone no longer wants. By the time the landlord called, it had been left without food or water for about a month.