Mary Cummins Wildlife Rehabilitation Animal Advocates News Los Angeles California: wildlife rehabilitation

Showing posts with label wildlife rehabilitation. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

RIP Mikayla Raines. Bullying of Animal Rescuers Must Stop by Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

Wildlife rehabilitator Mikayla Raines of Save a Fox committed suicide June 20, 2025 at the age of 29. Mikayla leaves behind a loving husband, daughter and an animal rescue organization. Her husband stated in a video that other rescuers had been stalking, harassing and attacking her viciously which caused Mikayla to kill herself. Such a sad preventable situation.

Bullying is a common theme in the animal rescue world. I've been stalked by a certain bully and her crew since 2010. I got a restraining order which they violated over 150 times within two weeks. My bully even emailed me telling me I should kill myself saying she was my mother. My bully likes to call me fat, old, ugly, wrinkly, warty piggy nose, bald, toothless...and much, much worse. They like to falsely accuse me of disgusting crimes against children and animals. They post photos of nude morbidly obese women or a roach with my face photoshopped on top. They accuse me of having STDs, AIDs... They even like to turn it around and pretend they are the victim. I can only imagine what Mikayla was going through. I'm sure it was the same evil.

I spoke with the Los Angeles County expert on stalkers at the time. The woman wrote a book on stalking. They told me my stalker was jealous and mentally ill. They told me to get a civil restraining order which didn't help at all. My stalker relished the attention.

Part of the Minimum Standards for Wildlife Rehabilitation talks about this issue specifically. Warden Joe Baima of the California Department of Fish & Wildlife used to start off each District 5 meeting by reading this section of the code of ethics.

Minimum Standards for Wildlife Rehabilitation, 4th edition, 2012, NWRA & IWRC, Code of Ethics, pg V, Item 6. "A wildlife rehabilitator should respect other rehabilitators and persons in related fields,

sharing skills and knowledge in the spirit of cooperation for the welfare of the animals."

Joe Baima would then tell the rehabbers that he doesn't want to see or hear any complaints against other rehabbers. I was told it all came out of jealousy and envy. Some are jealous another rehabber got in a rarer boutique species. Some are jealous that someone's rescue video is going viral. Some are jealous that another groups gets lots of donations. Some are just jealous over looks, age and weight. There are also some rehabbers who want to be the gate keeper of certain species. One lady wants to be in charge of all bobcats. Another wants to be in charge of all bats. It doesn't make any sense as there are many more animals than all the rehabbers can possibly handle. Killing off a rehabber only makes your workload larger.

Other times one rehabber is upset that they can't rehab skunks in their condo. They decide to try to make it impossible for anyone to rehab skunks by filing bizarre and false reports about skunk rehabbers. All the while they are illegally rehabbing skunks in their condo while their neighbors object.

There need to be better laws and regulations to deal with bullies. Restraining orders don't help. Lawsuits are complex and expensive. People are allowed to harass, defame, file false reports against people as much as they want no matter the laws. Based on what happened to Mikayla it's clearly legal to bully someone to death. While the husband could legally file a lawsuit it'd be pointless. Mikayla is never coming back. Justice is also rarely possible unless you have a lot of money and contacts.

Obituary

https://jmmcbeathfuneralhome.com/news/mikayla-raines

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

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Mary Cummins of Cummins Real Estate Services has been in real estate since 1983, over 35 years. She is licensed by the Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers. Mary Cummins was an agent and broker licensed with the California Department of Real Estate selling residential income, commercial buildings, raw land and homes for Merrill Lynch Realty in Beverly Hills and Westside Properties in Los Angeles before concentrating on appraisals. Mary Cummins currently provides real estate appraisals, expert witness testimony, historical research, legal real estate research for mortgage brokers, banks, lawyers, factors, insurance companies, financial consultants and private individuals. Mary Cummins was born and raised in Southern California. Cummins attended Beverly Hills Good Shepherd Catholic School and Beverly Hills High School. Besides being on the Dean's list, Mary Cummins was a top ten national swimmer and competed on the men's water polo team. Mary Cummins began college at the age of 15 attending the University of Southern California on scholarship, majoring in Psychology/Sociology. http://www.animaladvocates.us http://www.facebook.com/AnimalAdvocatesUSA

Sunday, June 15, 2025

5th Annual Bat Roost Count with National History Museum LA County by Mary Cummins Animal Advocates

5th annual bat roost count with Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. There were 28 volunteers in South El Monte counting bats under the 60 freeway bridge over the LA River. Bats in my area started coming out at 8:08 pm. I counted 15 out and 74 in. Mexican free-tail and Yuma myotis bats. Beautiful night! #marycummins Mary Cummins #bats #mexicanfreetailbats #yumamyotis #crevicebats #losangeles #california #animaladvocates #batrescue #wildliferescue Animal Advocates

Mary Cummins

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Mary Cummins Animal Advocates Resume Curriculum Vitae

Curriculum Vitae

Cummins is a bilingual Latina who grew up in a wildlife area of Los Angeles, California rescuing baby bunnies, squirrels and even a fawn by the age of six. She continued to rescue all types of animals on her own, with other organizations and for local animal shelters.

Cummins founded Animal Advocates an IRS recognized 501 3c non-profit organization in 2002. Animal Advocates is a registered California Corporation and legal charity with the California Attorney General. Cummins is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator specializing in small mammals including but not limited to coyotes, bobcats, foxes, skunks, raccoons, opossums, squirrels and bats.

Animal Advocates is the only wildlife rehabilitation facility in the city of Los Angeles which is home to over 5,000,000 people spread over 500 square miles. To date (2021) we have rescued and rehabilitated 8,368 wild animals and 1,254 domestic for a grand total of 9,622 animals. We provide wildlife education in English and Spanish in the community and through our work with the local, state and federal government. 2022 was our 20 year anniversary.

Education

• 1982 Beverly Hills High School, Dean's list, Swim team, Water Polo

• 1984 University of Southern California, Dean's list, Swim Team, Marks International Hall, Scholarship

Professional Education

• 1982 Emergency Medical Technician I

• 2001 Wildlife Paramedic I Basic training for wildlife emergency response

• 2003 IWRC Basic rehabilitation skills seminar, two day course, 13 hours

• 2004 Opossum Society, Opossum rehabilitation

• 2004 HSUS Animal Care two day seminar in Reno, Nevada

• 2005 Rio Hondo Police Academy PAC 43.76 PC 832 Arrest - Modules 1 & III

• 2005 Rio Hondo Police Academy PAC 43.77 PC 832 Firearms - Module II

• 2005 Animal Law Enforcement Academy, San Diego Humane Society and SPCA. 80 hours of approved credit by CVMA, sponsored by the State Humane Association of California to become a Humane Officer

• 2005 American Humane Association, Euthanasia by Injection Certificate, Pasadena Shelter

• 2005 American Humane Association - TV & Film, “No animals were harmed” one week training program. Employed in 2005.

• 2006 Pasadena Police Department Certificate of training Tazer X26

• 2005 LA Animal Services, Mitigating animal related injuries in the shelter environment

• 2005 LA Animal Services, Reptile care and handling

• 2005 LA Animal Services, Horse care and handling

• 2005 LA Animal Services, Wildlife care and handling

• 2010 Desert Studies Center, Southwestern bats, research techniques, Dr. Patricia Brown-Berry, 42 years of experience with bats

• 2011 Humane Society University, Animal First Aid for Disaster Responders, 8 hours live

• 2017 Animal Legal Defense Fund's Animal Law Summer School - Ag-Gag, Professor Alan Chen, University of Denver Sturm College of Law

• 2017 Animal Legal Defense Fund's Animal Law Summer School - Captive Wildlife, Matthew Liebman, Director of Litigation for the Animal Legal Defense Fund

• 2018 Big Cats in the City: Ecology, Behavior and Conservation of Mountain Lions around Los Angeles. Seth Riley.

• 2018 Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Animal Law School “Case Study: Elephants at the LA Zoo" presented by lawyer David Casselman.

• 2018 Wild Futures “Living with Mountain Lions in the Bay Area & Greater California.”

• 2019 Animal Legal Defense Fund’s “The Link between Violence against Humans and Animals.”

• 2020 IWRC, Coffee & Tea discussion on Cultivating anti-racism in wildlife rehabilitation

• 2021 New York City AAZK, Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, and the Zoological Field

• 2021 Beneath the Surface: Examining Triggers of Harmful Algal Blooms, Marine Mammal Care

• 2021 Prairie Dogs in Peril Zoom, James Trever of Prairie Dog Pals

• 2022 Groundbreaking of Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing

• 2022 Post Human Infrastructure, Lauren Bon, Metabolic Studios

• 2022 Wildlife 2 Watts Educational Event

• 2022 Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing Open House

• 2023 Latino Conservation Week programs

• 2023 Celebration of Life Event P22

• 2023 Natural History Museum P22 Museum Educational Visit

• 2023 IWRC Pinniped Control-Meeting Community Needs in a Time of Crisis

• 2023 Cougar Conservancy National Wildlife Federation Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing Tour

• 2024 IWRC Wildlife Rehabilitation & Conservation in Rwanda

• 2024 IWRC Connections U Networking in Latin America, Spanish/English

• 2024 Animal Tracks Wildlife Sanctuary Educational Visit

• 2024 Recognizing and Understanding Bias for the Animal Welfare Professional

• 2024 IWRC International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council Coffee & Tea: A big problem with little animals: how insect declines may affect wildlife

Professional licenses, permits past and present

• 2001 Los Angeles City Gun Permit

• 2003 Los Angeles City Wildlife Permit

• 2003 USDA Class C Exhibitor Permit for Sanctuary animals

• 2004 CA Department of Fish and Wildlife trapping permit

• 2004 CA Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wildlife Rehabilitation permit, Educational Animals and later exhibit permit

Awards and acknowledgments

• 2003 EARS, Certificate of appreciation for assisting in the wildfires

• 2003 City of Los Angeles, Certificate of appreciation

• 2009 LA Animal Services, Certificate of appreciation

• 2010 Classy, Nonprofit Award

• 2013 Great Nonprofits, Top-Rated Nonprofit Award 3

• 2013 Los Angeles Business Journal, Corporate Citizen and Nonprofit

Selected media, publications, articles

• 2002 "What to do when you find a baby squirrel"

• 2002 "What to do when you find an injured squirrel"

• 2003 "How to reunite squirrels babies with their mothers"

• 2003 "How to trim trees with wildlife in mind"

• 2003 "How to properly care for un-releasable squirrels"

• 2003 "How to build proper caging for wildlife"

• 2003 Cat Fancy Magazine, "Mama Mia"

• 2003 "How to humanely deal with coyotes"

• 2004 "Rehabilitation of tree squirrels" manual.

• 2004 "Rehabilitation of ground squirrels" manual.

• 2004 "Rehabilitation of skunks" manual.

• 2004 "Treatment of Malocclusion in Squirrels," Co-author Dr. Bill Ridgeway

• 2004 "How to trim rodent teeth"

• 2004 "How to make pet squirrels wild again"

• 2004 "How to set up a wildlife referral system in animal shelters"

• 2005 IWRC, "Journal of Wildlife Rehabilitation," "Raising baby tree squirrels from weaning to release"

• 2000-2024 Over 500 wildlife, animal articles written for blogs, newspapers, online media and others Selected media

• 2003 Animal Planet "Beverly Hills Vet, Squirrel Rehabilitation"

• 2003 CADFG "Scrawl of the Wild"

• 2003 LA Times "Rodent poisoning project angers animal activists"

• 2004 Cable television show "Wildlife Rescue," six episodes, Doggy TV

• 2004 Gardena Valley News "Helping furry friends survive urban jungle"

• 2004 KROQ radio interview with Scott Mason

• 2005 Discovery Channel "The Undetectables, Squirrel Care"

• 2005 LA Weekly "A Billionaire's Bark"

• 2005 KROQ radio interview with Scott Mason

• 2005 Thousand Oaks Acorn “Public outcry over slain tiger loud—but not universal”

• 2005 LA Times "Urban remedies: Dealing with new arrivals"

• 2005 Thousand Oaks Acorn "Public outcry over slain tiger loud-but not universal"

• 2005 LA City Beat "Welcome to the jungle"

• 2006 Daily News "Stuckey stays on as $50,000 City consultant"

• 2006 Book "Squirrels: The Animal Answer Guide"

• 2006 Daily News "County relaxes restrictions on llamas, animal rehab"

• 2006 Daily News "Council hears Stuckey critics"

• 2006 LA Times "Fired City Official's appeal in limbo"

• 2007 LA Times "Opossums: your garden's evening clean-up crew"

• 2009 LA Times "Your morning adorable, baby skunks and the handstand dance"

• 2010 Martha Stewart "A gopher named Charlie"

• 2010 Martha Stewart "A second chance for Charlie"

• 2010 LA Times "Your morning adorable: rescued rabbit enjoys a meal"

• 2010 LA Times "Your morning adorable: rub a dub dub, raccoons in a tub"

• 2010 Top YouTube pets video channel in March

• 2011 Ventura County Star “City says bats remain at Moorpark home”

• 2011 CBS Los Angeles “Moorpark Says Homeowners Not Doing Enough To Fight Bats”

• 2011 NBC “WeHo one step closer to fur ban”

• 2012 Santa Monica Patch “Wild Animal in Town? Call on Us, Vet Says”

• 2012 Santa Monica Daily Press “Groups want policy change after mountain lion death”

• 2012 ABC “IDA Rally held in Santa Monica in protest of fatal shooting of mountain lion”

• 2012 NBC “Animal-Rights Group Protests Santa Monica Mountain Lion Shooting”

• 2012 Member of Santa Monica City after incident report in regard to mountain lion shooting

Social Media

• Over 78,000 Facebook fans

• Over 8,000 YouTube subscribers

• Over 12,000,000 YouTube video views

• Over 99,000 YouTube watch hours

• Approved Member Facebook/Meta Nonprofit Growth Program

Experience

• 2001- Present Wildlife rehabilitation. Rescued over 8,000 wild animals with a release rate over 90%

• 2001- Present Wildlife education, presentations to Oasis, Crossroads school, LA Animal Services, Best Friends super adoption, Temple Beth El private school and many others

• 2001- 2006 LA Animal Services, animal shelter volunteer

• 2003 Dept of Fish & Wildlife cleanup of Tiger Rescue, Chuck Traisi, volunteer

• 2003 City of Buena Ventura no-feed plan for wildlife

• 2004 New wildlife policy approved in Los Angeles City

• 2005 American Humane Association - TV & Film, “No animals were harmed” team

• 2006 Amendment to LA County zoning which allows wildlife rehabilitation

• 2006 Redid the LA Animal Services website, added "Adopt a Pet" feature

• 2006 Birth control program for squirrels in Santa Monica

• 2006 Assistant to Director of Found Animals Foundation

• 2010 HSUS NDART team cockfight raid Nipomo, CA

• 2011 HSUS NDART team 150 dog rescue Lucerne Valley, CA

• 2012 City of Santa Monica Mountain Lion Task Force with IDA

• 2013 Expert Opossum Witness for PETA for opossum lawsuit

• 2013 Expert Animal Cruelty Presentation for Animal Defense League Animal Law School

• 2013 Presentation for California Attorney General “We Love Wildlife!” Campaign

• 2020 A Critical Evaluation of Legal and Illegal Killing of Native Predators, Dr. Adrian Treves

• 2024 Bat Roost Count Natural History Museum of Los Angeles

• 2024 International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council IWRC Connections and Networking in Latin America and the Caribbean

• 2024 72nd Annual Wildlife Disease Association conference by WDA Australia

• 2025 Howliday Clinic for Pets Experiencing Homelessness with K9 Connection, Pets Laneding, Street Dog Coalition

• 2025 Rescued and Sheltered Animals Displaced by Los Angeles Fires

• 2025 Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve

• 2025 Blessing of the Animals Los Angeles

Committees/Task forces

• 2004 LA Animal Services Spanish language Committee, Spay and Neuter Committee, Wildlife Committee, Adopt-a-thon Committee, New Hope Partner

• 2005 LA City, Councilman Zine Coyote Task Force

• 2005 Approved by Mayor to be a commissioner for LA Animal Services

• 2006 LA City Proposition F Committee

• 2008 Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) National Disaster Animal Response Team (NDART)
• 2012 Santa Monica Police, Animal Control, Fish & Wildlife After Mountain Lion Killing Incident Task Force

Professional memberships

• California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators

• National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association

• International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AnimalAdvocatesUSA

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/animal-advocates

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@MaryCummins

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/animaladvocatesusa/

Blog https://animaladvocatesmarycummins.blogspot.com/

#marycummins #animaladvocates #curriculumvitae #resume #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #wildliferescue #squirrels #skunks #opossums #raccoons #bats #bobcats #coyotes #gophers #chipmunks #losangeles #california #animaladvocatesus

Mary Cummins

Monday, April 28, 2025

Opossum Rescue in Beverly Hills, California by Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates

We were called to a 10,000 sf home in Beverly Hills, California with a full lower below ground level. An opossum had fallen into a basement window well and couldn't get out. A kind man called us and we got the opossum out. We instantly released within three miles of where found because opossums was healthy and large enough to be on its own. #opossum #possum #losangeles #california #marycummins @mary_cummins #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #wildliferescue #wildlife #beverlyhills #rescue #animalrescue #animaladvocates

Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

Mary Cummins

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Squirrel rescues her babies that fell out of a tree, Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

The winds blew a squirrel nest out of a tall palm tree today. Babies landed in the aloe bush. I heard the babies crying and went to see if they were okay. I looked at one up close and she just had some scratches. I put her back in the bush in a place where she couldn't fall, was safe from animals and mom could find her. Mom came and took back all her babies within minutes.

A few photos with video below that. Link to video if it doesn't embed properly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B2_T4gfMUA

Mary Cummins

Friday, January 24, 2025

Mary Cummins Attended Wildlife Disease Association 72nd Annual Conference, Animal Advocates

72nd annual wildlife disease association conference December 2024, Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates, wildlife disease, wildlife rehabilitator, wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife rescue, los angeles, california, wildlifre

Our founder Mary Cummins attended the 72nd Annual Wildlife Disease Association conference which was held December 2024. Cummins stated "This year's conference was so important especially in light of our recent global zoological disease pandemics which affect all of us. Wildlife health is central to human and environmental health." Link to conference information in first comment per FB algo. #wda #wildlifediseaseassociation #wildlifedisease #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #AnimalAdvocates #marycummins #losangeles #california

https://wda2024.com.au/

Mary Cummins

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Animal Advocates, Mary Cummins Helping Victims of the Los Angeles Fires

Animal Advocates and Mary Cummins have been helping victims of the January 2025 Los Angeles fires. We were in the Palisades fire evacuation area relocating owned pets that had to evacuate. Some of these people had to evacuate twice because the fire moved. The below pics are from one trip January 14, 2025.

Sunset west was closed at Kenter two blocks from Vice President Kamala Harris' home. 10 fwy west was closed at Lincoln Blvd. National guard, police, fire department, Dept of Transportation, Red Cross and many more people were helping to secure the area and offer aid.

Animal rescue groups are not yet allowed into the areas that have been damaged by the fire. The fire department has to inspect each home first to assess damage, check for bodies, turn off gas, turn off electric, turn off water and assess the safety of the structure. Animal groups are also not allowed in the evacuation zones without full permission and police escort. The purpose is to prevent looters and arsonists. It's also not safe in case the wind picks up and the fire moves quickly. The original fire had winds at 100 mph blowing burning embers over a mile.

Mary Cummins has lived in Los Angeles her entire life. Animal Advocates has experienced many wildfires during that time. Cummins has gone through the FEMA disaster animal response training. Cummins has also worked for HSUS NDART National Disaster Animal Rescue Team. Cummins, Animal Advocates aided EARS in past fires setting up pet evacuation areas. Cummins also cared for wildlife and domestic pets injured by the fires from smoke inhalation, burns, loss of habitat, loss of food and water sources.

Mary Cummins of Cummins Real Estate is a certified residential licensed appraiser in Los Angeles, California. Mary Cummins is licensed by the California Bureau of Real Estate appraisers and has over 35 years of experience.

Mary Cummins LinkedIn

Mary Cummins

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Mimi Cat Rescuing Baby Squirrels Inspires Mary Cummins to Become Wildlife Rehabilitator, Animal Advocates

mary cummins, animal advocates, squirrel rescue, wildlife rehabilitator, wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife rescue, squirrel, baby squirrel, los angeles, california

"Mimi, The Squirrel Savior: A Kind Cat Adopts Two Squirrels And Treats Them As Her Own Babies. "A cat adopting and taking care of two baby squirrels? No, this is not a fairy tale, but a story of a wonderful kitty called Mimi!

Wait, aren't cats known for chasing around small animals and rodents? Yes, they are, but Mimi is here to show the other side of our feline friends that defeats all the stereotypes. Cats are often seen as cold and not especially caring, but Mimi took it upon herself to prove the haters wrong."

This was over 20 years ago back in 2000. Rescuing these two baby squirrels and not being able to easily find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is what inspired me to become a wildlife rehabilitator. I called rehabbers from San Diego to Santa Barbara. No one picked up the phone. I went on line and learned how to care for them. I finally called now deceased Paula Drake who referred me to Anna Dresdon who took the two baby squirrels. I gave her my tub of formula, food and $20 donation. In hindsight I should have given her more money ;-)

Article: Aria Archer #catschef

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/mimi-the-squirrel-savior-a-kind-cat-adopts-two-squirrels-and-treats-them-as-her-own-babies/ar-AA1uWCzM

Mimi the cat rescues baby squirrels #AnimalAdvUSA #marycummins #cat #babysquirrel #squirrel #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #wildliferescue #losangeles #california #animaladvocates

Mary Cummins

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Marine Mammal Care Center Behind the Scenes by Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates

mary cummins, animal advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, marine mammal care center, los angeles, california, wildlife, wildlife rescue, wildlife rehabilitator

Marine Mammal Care Center Behind the Scenes with Jules Leon and Deanna Bowlin, mary cummins, animal advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, marine mammal care center, los angeles, california, wildlife, wildlife rescue, wildlife rehabilitator

Just attended the online webinar Behind the Scenes at Marine Mammal Care Center. Deanna Bowlin and Jules Leon were the hosts. They showed us three seal pups and an adult female seal in care. They talked about the problems facing marine mammals today and what you can do to help. The video was super choppy. I recommend just watching some of their videos.

UPDATE: Turns out the horrible choppy quality of the video was just a glitch. Glad to hear that.

"Thank you for joining the livestream today! We apologize that the quality wasn't ideal and we are working with our vendor and looking at other options to bring you the best experience possible. We will send a special invitation to another livestream event when we have this fixed.

Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties with our livestream platform, we don't have the recording to rewatch; however, we created this special holiday playtime video just for you in hopes that it makes up for it! https://youtu.be/h9VSdWwgs18 "

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marine Mammal Care Center (@marinemammalcare)

"We are so excited to announce that registration is now open for our Behind-the-Scenes Livestream happening this Thursday, November 21 at 11:30 am PT. bit.ly/mmccbehindthescenes or tap the link in our bio⁠

⁠

Have you ever wondered what goes on at a wildlife hospital or how we feed our patients? This is your chance to get an inside look at the Marine Mammal Care Center and watch our adorable patients eat, play, and be 100% cute.⁠"

"Meet our newest patient: POPTART! You'll get to see him on our Behind-the-Scenes livestream happening tomorrow (Thursday) at 11:30 am. You must register to attend at bit.ly/mmccbehindthescenes!

❤️ Poptart is a California sea lion pup who was rescued in Malibu and arrived at our hospital on October 23. At the time of his rescue, he was just a few months old – much too young to be separated from his mother. He was clearly emaciated and in need of specialized care. Although he had some gastrointestinal issues for his first few days, he has been eating well recently and successfully shifted from tube-feedings to eating fish on his own.

🤳🏽 Thanks to everyone who submitted food names for our patient naming contest on social media. After a random selection 🥁🥁🥁 congrats to @rostastny for their name submission!"

⁠

#marinemammalcarecenter #mmcc #marinemammalcarecenterlosangeles #ocean #conservation #savetheocean #wildlife #seal #seals #animals #animal #sealion #sealions #savetheseals #elephantseal #elephantseals #animalrehab #savetheplanet #oceanconservation #wildlifeconservation #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehab #wildlifeveterinary #wildlifevet #animalrehabilitation #losangeles #california @marinemammalcare @animaladvocatesusa @mary_cummins #marycummins #animaladvocates #wildliferehabilitation #marinemammals

Mary Cummins

Friday, June 28, 2024

Recognizing and Understanding Bias for Animal Welfare Professionals , Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

Recognizing and Understanding Bias for the Animal Welfare Professional was a great class. I learned about the different types of human conscious and unconscious biases. Humans in order to survive have basic instincts and biases. We are fearful and distrusting of things which are new or different from ourselves. The us versus them is a survival mechanism. Our perceptions can change over time based on our experiences. All these things affect how we view the world, others and how we react. The class went into the different types of biases. It then went into how to control our biases in our reactions and behavior so we can treat people and the situation fairly and properly.

There was an interesting class experiment. Instructor told us to close our eyes and imagine we're going on a plane trip to a seminar we're really interested in. We go to the hotel and see a couple in love at the restaurant. We go to the seminar and listen to the presenters speak. Then the instructor told us to open our eyes. He asked us "what did the pilot of the plane look like in your mind? Were they a white man? What color and orientation was the couple? What did the presenters look like?" He showed photos of a female pilot in hijab, a same sex couple and black and disabled speakers. He asked if that was what we imagined? He said these biases are formed based on our experiences in real life, in movies, books...

From the class description, "Our brains are amazing at making connections, doing work, and making decisions without us ever realizing it. Like when you drive home and realize as you're parking that you don't really remember the drive - yup - your unconscious brain played navigator so you could zone out a bit. However, these unconscious connections and processes can have a lasting effect on how you do your job.

Join us as we discuss different types of bias and how they unconsciously invade your decisions and actions on and off the job.

- Learn to identify 5-8 different bias types

- Understand how bias and cynicism can play off of each other;

- That bias, while often thought of as a negative, is actually an evolutionary necessity that we can earn to identify and work on

- And how to create a shared language around bias so your entire team can work on being more aware of these unconscious traps."

https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/resource/recognizing-and-understanding-bias-for-the-animal-welfare-professional/

Jace Huggins with San Diego Humane Society was the host. I took my two week Humane Officer training at San Diego Humane Society in 2005.

Below are a few slides. I suggest taking the class because the instructor shares a lot of stories, examples, tests and polls.

Mary Cummins

Mary Cummins Animal Advocates Los Angeles California Wildlife Rehabilitation Real Estate

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Monday, April 28, 2025

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Friday, January 24, 2025

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Friday, June 28, 2024