Robert Lingenfelser Nominated for Animal Planet’s Hero of the Year Award

Robert Lingenfelser Nominated for Animal Planet’s Hero Of The Year

Robert Lingenfelser, President of MMC was recently selected from 7000 nominees to be in the top 10 finalists for Animal Planet’s Hero of the Year Award.  Robert dedicates his life to his passion for rescuing and rehabilitating dolphins and whales and contributing to the science of marine mammals.  Robert’s work on behalf of marine mammals and the Marine Mammal Conservancy, Inc. which he co-founded, consumes the majority of his days – - and virtually all of his time when MMC has an animal (or animals) in rescue or rehabilitation.  All of Robert’s work is volunteered.

Animal Planet has selected Robert as one of 10 finalists from 7,000 nominees for the Animal Planet “Hero of the Year” contest.  This award is given to an individual who has devoted himself to a cause that has a positive impact on the welfare of animals.  Robert’s work has more than just a positive impact on the welfare of animals. Without Robert and people like him, there would be no alternative to euthanasia for stranded and injured dolphins and whales.  With the help of a team of volunteers who stand ready to help at a moment’s notice, Robert has led MMC to become one of the best marine mammal response organizations in the world.  The research MMC provides contributes to scientists’ knowledge about marine mammal species that are not able to be studied on a regular basis.  This information is vital to the survival of our oceans.  Robert Lingenfelser’s leadership and selfless dedication make these contributions happen.  He is a teacher and mentor to the staff and volunteers of MMC that he recruits and trains to make sure that MMC can respond to the needs of marine mammals today and long into the future.  His dedication is trumped only by his love for the dolphins and whales to who he has dedicated his life’s service.

The main prize for winning this award is a donation of $10,000 to the animal welfare organization of the winner’s choice.  Part of the decision on the winner of the award will be based on the results of People’s Choice voting, completed on September 27, 2009.

Thank you all for your support of Robert and the Marine Mammal Conservancy!

The  Animal Planet ‘’Hero of the Year’’ contest is presented by the makers of Fresh Step ® litter.