Dr. Martine de Wit has an enviable job- one where shoes are sometimes optional. She works with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) monitoring Florida manatee health. Although manatees are her passion, this native of the Netherlands has a very interesting background with career stints in small animal practice, an ABVP residency in avian practice, and research internships.

De Wit works with a team that is responsible for coordinating rescues of sick and injured manatees and collect manatee carcasses from the waters of the State of Florida to determine cause of death, working closely with Law Enforcement, trained volunteers, and partner agencies. Information gathered from these cases helps inform manatee managers in their conservation efforts.

We caught up with Dr. Martine to learn more:

Best career advice I ever received:

Find your niche. I have had some amazing role models in my career, and for the longest time wanted to be like them and have a job like theirs. They told me to truly identify my passion and use that to make a difference in conservation. Luckily for me, there were no other veterinarians who wanted to work with decomposing manatee bodies at the time, but I saw the potential in being able to work with a species I am obsessed about.

Three traits that got me where I am today:

Hard working, determination (i.e. stubbornness), ethical. 

Most agonizing career decision I ever made:

After 10 years of being an Avian Diplomate with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, I let my status expire. Going back to avian and small exotic medicine was always my backup plan should manatees not work out, but after 10 years of not touching birds (other than getting to hold the avian holy grail, a kiwi!!), there was no point in recertifying. 

 Easiest career decision I made

Move to the USA to work in zoo and wildlife conservation! My friends and family back home were so excited for me, and White Oak Conservation Center welcomed me with open arms. I still consider that place my US home.

How did I made my  first dollar:

I grew up in Amsterdam, our currency is a guilder.  My first guilder was earned working a sweet summer job at a bank.

 How I clear my head after a stressful day

I land on my couch, read some inspirational quotes by Esther the Wonder Pig.

Who do I admire most:

I most admire my manatee colleagues. The manatee protection service has very few job opportunities, and if you land a coveted job in this field. The opportunities for advancement are extremely limited. The fact that some have been here for over 10 or even more than 20 years in the same level position is a true testament of the dedication they have for their jobs and the love they have for manatees.

What everyone should try once in their lifetime:

Volunteer! Volunteering can help with career choices, teach work ethic, and you may get to know and learn from people outside of your normal circle. For me, stepping into an animal shelter at 18 years old was life changing.

What’s the biggest problem facing manatees today:

The main threats to manatees are watercraft-related mortality, loss of warm water habitat, and red tide-related mortality events. In 2017, manatees were reclassified from endangered to threatened due to successes in their conservation, but there are still concerns for their future. For example, most manatees rely on industrial warm water to survive the winter. These powerplants will not be around forever, but it is impossible to wean manatees from using them. It continues to be important to rescue those in need, in collaboration with facilities and organizations in the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership, and monitor health threats through live manatee health assessments and carcass necropsies.

Learn more about FWC by clicking on the link below:

Florida Wildlife Commission