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Avian Influenza Detected at Año Nuevo State Park

A small number of young northern elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park recently tested positive for H5N1, also known as bird flu. This is the first detection of H5N1 in California’s marine mammal population.

The risk of H5N1 to the public remains very low. We’re sharing guidance on how to protect yourself, your pets and marine mammals – and how you can help.

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Elephant seal

Robyn Hettrich

Chief People & Culture Officer

Robyn Hettrich has been the Chief People & Culture Officer with The Marine Mammal Center since October 2022. Growing up in Marin County, California, she was a frequent visitor to the Center’s headquarters in the Marin Headlands and has been a lifelong advocate for marine mammal and ocean protection.

She is a passionate leader focused on creating a positive and inclusive culture for all staff and volunteers. Prior to joining the Center, Robyn served in many senior management roles in for-profit and environmental nonprofits, including Point Blue Conservation Science and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. She has spent the past 30+ years transforming work environments, building relationships, leading change, and developing talent to optimize initiatives and align them to organizational strategy and culture.

Robyn holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Sonoma State University, Human Resources certification from San Francisco State University and a Senior Professional Human Resources certification from the Society of Human Resources Management.

In her free time, Robyn takes walks at one of the many beaches in Marin and Sonoma with her two dogs, Grizzly and Franklyn.


Areas of Expertise:

  • Strategic Organizational & Infrastructure Development
  • Change Management & Succession Planning
  • Policy Development & Regulatory Compliance
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Evolution