On this episode we have a guest like no other. She’s been on TV. She’s toured the country. She’s tiny, fluffy, and loves nuts. That’s right…it’s Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel! Her handlers Chuck and Toni share their stories as well.
What started as a simple rescue mission in Florida in 1978 turned into a full-blown, nutty legacy that continues to delight crowds of all ages. Learn how Twiggy became a worldwide sensation, her unexpected Minneapolis origins, and the sweet story of how one rescued squirrel sparked a movement rooted in joy, respect, and the belief that anything is possible.
You’ll hear how Twiggy became an MOA headliner, the surprising logistics of building a squirrel-sized water-ski pool inside a shopping mall, and yes—the question on everyone’s mind: How do you train a squirrel to water-ski?
Grab your life jacket, channel your inner rodent athlete, and join us for an episode filled with laughs, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.
2:15 How Meri Ryan first pitched Twiggy as the MOA-favorite entertainer
3:30 The mathematical logistics behind a 5.5” deep pool inside the Mall
6:15 How Chuck’s dad rescued a squirrel decades ago and it led to today
8:15 What the squirrel’s love to eat the most
10:45 Twiggy’s Hollywood history and her real cred’
12:00 How do you train a squirrel to water-ski?
14:50 Treating all animals with love and respect
20:00 What might Twiggy say to her super fans?
22:30 Squirrel or Nah – a fun quick quiz for the guests
Guests: Twiggy the water-skiing squirrel; Chuck Best, Jr. and Toni Marie Tedesco parents/trainers of Twiggy
To find out more about Twiggy go to: https://twiggyshow.com/ and www.clubtwiggy.com.
You can also find Twiggy on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube @twiggyshow.
Hosts: Daniel Jasper with Meri Ryan, Senior Manager of Experiential + Events at Mall of America
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.
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