Bios

Backgrounds of a few MMC representatives…

Robert G. Lingenfelser graduated from Miami Dade College, with an Associate in Arts Degree from the Mechanical / Ocean Engineering Program.  He also holds numerous certifications in diving expertise, including a Diver Medical Technician certification as well as an Air/Mixed Gas and Bell/Saturation certification from the College of Oceaneering in Wilmington, CA.  He worked for many years as a commercial diver in Asia and the Middle East, before transitioning over to working with marine mammals in 1987.  His career began as a dolphin trainer assistant for the Ocean Reef Club before moving on to be named the President of the Marine Mammal Conservancy in 1995.  Robert is the primary contact for MMC and oversees all operations of the corporation, including the management, logistics and husbandry/rehabilitation program of all stranded animals that MMC responds to.

Art Cooper – A senior marine mammal facility executive with over 20 years of experience, Cooper holds the position of Vice President/Curator of Dolphins Plus Key Largo, responsible for $15 US million in animal assets.  Cooper developed and manages all animal in water interactions for Island Dolphin Care (IDC), a not for profit Key Largo based organization working primarily with special needs children and at risk individuals.  He also holds the Curator position of Dolphin Cove Key Largo, $3 million in animal assets.  He was instrumental in the creation and development of Dolphin Resorts Tortola, BVI in conjunction with Prospect Reef Resort in 2001 where he served as program director and Curator, $4 million in animal assets.  In 2003, Cooper assisted in the planning and development of Dolphin Resorts Dominica, WI, where he served as Director of Operations and Curator, $4 million in animal assets.

Cooper is the Vice Chairman of The Marine Mammal Conservancy (MMC), a not for profit marine mammal rescue organization based in Key Largo, FL.  He served as Chairman from 2004 till 2009.  He serves as the Chairman of the Scientific, Research and Review Committee and is an Executive Board Member.  Cooper has been responsible for creating a world class Independent Advisory Group made up of marine mammal veterinarians, facility planners and managers, and the top marine mammal researchers.   Cooper was the long time President of the Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation of the Upper Keys and a board member of MMRF since 1990.  He has also held a personal Letter of Authorization from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to conduct stranding activities regarding marine mammals in US waters.

Cooper is experienced in marine mammal husbandry, rescue, emergency medical care, animal acquisition, facility design, development, and operation.  His responsibilities include: local and international transports, animal enclosure development and maintenance, education of animal care, husbandry, and training staff, facilitating insurance for all in-water programs, program development, all human resources, implementing regulatory requirements, maintaining husbandry standards, and ensuring a positive working environment for staff and animals.

Dr. Robert O. Stevens graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University, in 1975.  Dr. Stevens worked in private practice with Dr. Deke Beusse, prior to joining the veterinary team as Staff Veterinarian and Assistant Curator of Mammal and Birds at Sea World Ohio, in 1977.  In 1985, Dr. Stevens established the Mobile Veterinary Clinic, a private exotic and small animal practice.  Around the same time, he became the contract veterinarian for Epcot’s then-newly constructed Living Seas Pavilion.  Dr. Stevens is currently the Director of Animal Health Services at Dolphins Plus and Dolphin Cove and is the Veterinarian of Record for MMC.  Dr. Stevens’ has worked with a wide range of exotic animals, from marine mammals, birds, fish and reptiles to both small and large species of domestic animals.

Dr. Micah C. Brodsky graduated from the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine, in 2002.  Since then, he has been involved with a number of different projects as a consulting veterinarian, including the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Research Project at the La Flor Wildlife Refuge in Paya La Flor, Rivas, Nicaragua.  He has also worked on the Wild Dolphin Health and Risk Assessment Program at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, as well as the Marine Mammal Health Assessment, Sirenia Project regarding manatee biology, ecology and adaptive management in the south Florida area.  He has worked primarily with wildlife and continues to work and volunteer time for a variety of domestic and international conservation projects.  Dr. Brodsky is currently staff veterinarian for Dolphins Plus and Dolphin Cove and consulting veterinarian for MMC.  Dr. Brodsky’s professional interests include clinical medicine, conservation medicine and epidemiology.