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Benay Karp,
founder of Benay’s Bird & Animal Rentals has been supplying
trained animal actors for the entertainment industry since
1982. In the late 1970’s and early 80’s, Benay specialized
in taming and training wild parrots that were imported from
Africa, Indonesia and South America. She worked for a small
animal training company, where she began training dogs. As
her experience grew, so did the demand for her services.
Supplying trained birds and animals for many shows like Hill
Street Blues, Newhart and Full House in the early 80’s,
Benay decided to make it her full time career. Finding that
birds were poorly represented in this field, Benay strived
to have what is now today, the largest and most diverse
collection of birds in the Industry. Becoming the only
trainer to have ever accomplished feats including training
hummingbirds and woodpeckers, Benay has become one of the
country’s most sought after bird trainer.
In the early
1990’s Benay began expanding her collection to include dogs,
cats and small wildlife. Now, her collection of animal
actors includes not only a large collection of dogs and cats
(most of which were rescued from shelters), but also the
hard to find trained animal actors like prairie dogs,
chipmunks, squirrels, skunks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes,
porcupines, and opossums to name a few from our compound.
Working
on CBS’s “Young and the Restless” since 1994, and 10 years
on the Warner Brothers show “Friends”, (to name just a
couple of our long term relationships), is the type of
relationship Benay likes to nurture and keep.
"Once you use my company, my
goal is to keep you as a satisfied client. My pledge to you
is to always supply you with the best birds, animals and
trainers at the most competitive prices. My hope is that you
enjoy using our services, and that you tell your colleagues
and associates about us, too."
Benay Karp
 Kerri
Rothell
has been working with animals since the age of six.
Originally from Virginia, Kerri earned her Bachelors from
Christopher Newport University where she was president of
the Equestrian Team and competed nationally for 4 years. She
took her passion for animals to Moorpark College in 2006 for
Exotic Animal Training and Management. Since graduation she
has worked training marine mammals and dogs. Kerri started
with Benay’s Bird and Animal Rentals in July 2009 and hopes
to expand upon her experience in studio animal training in
the years to come.
Mel Defauw
graduated in 2008 from Moorpark College with a degree in
Exotic Animal Training and Management. During her time in
the program, she had the humbling opportunity to work
hands-on with a variety of species including primates,
hoofstock, carnivores, and mammals. She took her academic
background in animal training and has applied it to her work
in the studio industry since graduation. Certificates
include Animal Training, Wildlife Conservation, and Animal
Behavior. A Georgia native, she is thankful for the
opportunity to live her dream.
 Marla
Padilla
has been taking animal science classes at Moorpark College
for over two yeras now and hopes to attend the EATM program
in the Fall of 2011. She has been volunteering at the LA Zoo
and Benays Bird & Animal Rentals for over a year and is
currently on maternity leave.
Andres Cazarez
has been working for Benays for over
four years as a animal
caretaker and
handler.
Mel training Solara on set for a
Keybank Commercial Kerri
with Miles during a Young and Restless shoot
Mel and Portia for a Vanity
Fair spread
Kerri and Bitsie at a Gymboree catalog shoot
Kerri and Widowmaker
during a Disney show
Mel teaching Godfrey to swim |
