What do you do, when you aren’t reclaiming wildlife?
When I’m not helping exotic species and wildlife, I’m working with domestic animals. I’m a small animal veterinarian at Pinecrest Veterinary Hospital. As often as I can, I also volunteer at Born Free Pet Shelter in Homestead, Florida. Don’t worry, I also enjoy human interactions, especially with my friends and family! I’m also passionate about travel – I love traveling to far flung places and experiencing different cultures.
How long have you been interested in helping animals?
Always, I made a career out of it.
What’s your favorite animal and why?
Is it cheesy if I say dogs? They’re just pure at heart.
What’s one animal fact you’ve learned on your most recent animal encounter?
During Reclaimed Earth’s 2019 volunteer trip, I was surprised to learn that Pangolins are not in the anteater family. Instead, they are more closely related to carnivores, albeit very cute carnivores.
What’s your spirit animal?
A Giraffe – they are so lovely and graceful, but also incredibly awkward at times! I mean, have you ever seen them drinking water?
What’s an interesting fact about you that not many people know?
My family and closest friends call me “Mita.” I got the nickname because my older brother, Fernando, couldn’t say “hermanita” when he was little. Hermanita means little sister in Spanish.
What’s your guilty pleasure (PG, of course)?
I’m addicted to the ID channel (especially Forensic Files). Also, I’m a huge HGTV junkie!
Favorite animal movie?
Hands down, my favorite is Ace Ventura Pet Detective. How hilarious is that movie? Second place goes to The Secret Life of Pets.
Next item you plan to cross off your bucket list.
I’ve been dying to go to New Zealand. It’s such an amazing country with such a beautiful, untouched landscape. I can’t wait to see Milford Sound, Hobbiton, Queenstown, Christchurch, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and all New Zealand’s spectacular sites.
Next big trip.
I’ll be spending Thanksgiving in Hawaii with my sister and her family who live on Oahu. So excited!!!