Amanda Manrique

Amanda grew up in landlocked Dallas, Texas, but dreamed of exploring the ocean. She received her BS in marine biology from the University of West Florida in 2022 and afterward interned at Gulfarium Park in Fort Walton as a marine mammal trainer and at the Orange Beach Wildlife Center as a wildlife rehabber. There, she was able to educate the public on conservation efforts while caring for resident animals and releasing rehabilitated native species.

Amanda also volunteered as a Sea Turtle Rehabber at the Gulfarium CARE Center, where she developed her passion for sea turtles. While she loved all the hands-on work she did with animals, she is excited to be out in the field and exploring conservation efforts from a new position.