Ep. 106: Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel: The Tail of a Legend

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.