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Michelle McCune "Michelle McCune,
DVM is both an artist and veterinarian and uses these skills to educate and
foster support of conservation efforts. She firmly believes that education is
the key to helping people connect and empower them. Her family recently
relocated from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois to the Santa Cruz Mountains in
California. Michelle has since begun a transition from working in a small
animal clinic to following her passion of helping wild animals and preservation
of ecosystems. She volunteers her time and veterinary background performing
necropsies (autopsies) on deceased marine mammals helping researchers determine
the cause of death and how it reflects changes in the health of the oceans. She
assists researchers from the University of California, Santa Cruz, doing field
work on the northern elephant seals. In 2017, Michelle completed classwork
enabling her to become a docent at Ano Nuevo State Park, another volunteer
opportunity which allows her to educate the public directly, many from foreign
countries, about the history of the park and it's incredible role in the
conservation of the northern elephant seal. This was a species declared extinct
3 times but with the efforts of regular people and the US and Mexican
governments, the species was saved and has a stable population (for the
moment). Michelle feels this story is of special value as it demonstrates
success in conservation and the power of our voices which gives people hope. It
also serves as a reminder to how fragile the situation is due to lack of
genetic diversity and the need to protect our oceans. Elephant seal research
also provides insight into the health of the oceans as they can use devices on
the seals to collect ocean samples. So much to gain as well as learning about
these fascinating behemoths and their unique adaptations!
Her new foray into
marine work is also inspiring her art with marine species appearing in her
paintings and soon she will be revealing an exciting collection of sculptures!
She has always believed her work provides a window into worlds not many are
lucky enough to experience firsthand. While the viewer connects with the
subject, they learn more about the animal and it's environment igniting a spark
that will perhaps generate more support of the environment. She continues to
donate a portion of all sales to different conservation organizations as well
as being an active supporter herself of various groups and projects. She also
believes in supporting efforts by her fellow artists with some of their amazing
projects. It will take cooperation and standing together but we can and will
make a difference!.
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