As the marine mammal scientist for The Humane Society of the United States, Naomi handles marine mammal protection issues in the U.S. and internationally. She has a doctoral degree in biology from the University of California at Santa Cruz. Naomi’s dissertation addressed the social dynamics of male orcas in British Columbia.

She began working at HSUS in 1993 and at the Humane Society International in 2004. During her time at the HSUS, Naomi has become familiar with the biology and management concerns of all marine mammal taxa, including manatees, polar bears, and sea otters.

She is actively involved in a coalition effort to stop the capture and captivity of marine mammals for public displays, to stop whaling and fight against their habitat degradation.

She’s also famous for her part in the release of the orca Keiko (star of the movie Free Willy)