Introduction:

“I’m Azalia Rodríguez-Vieth, a wife, mom, and community leader for Latino Outdoors Austin. My role at Defenders is the Texas Representative, and I’ve been here for about three and a half years. My work focuses on protecting wildlife in the Texas Hill Country region of Central Texas. I get to collaborate with incredible partners, experts, and communities. At Defenders, I get to bring together my two passions: wildlife and community collaboration.”

How did you get your start in conservation?

“I fell in love with the idea of saving and restoring species while earning my master’s degree. I always knew I wanted to work with animals, but growing up, the only wildlife I knew came from what I saw on TV. My parents always encouraged my love of animals, hoping it would lead me to do good things, but now I get to do really exciting things. Studying in Australia gave me direct research experience that ignited my passion for conservation. I worked hard, never stopped asking questions, and I think that curiosity and persistence led me to where I am today.”

What would you say to someone looking to volunteer or pursue a conservation career?

“Volunteering is a great place to start. It helps you answer those big career questions with low commitment: Do you want to work directly with animals? Do you want to travel? Or do you prefer a caretaker role with animals? If you’re looking to build a career, I’d say cultivate relationships, make connections, and stay curious. And don’t be afraid to reach out to people with more experience; ask questions and learn from what sparks your interest.”

What are some animals you wish people understood better?

“Aquatic indicator species. In Texas, we have animals that act like ecosystem barometers, such as salamanders and freshwater mussels. Freshwater mussels can filter 8 to 15 gallons of water in a single day, and salamanders are extremely sensitive to water changes. Because of this, they’re highly vulnerable to habitat shifts and are often endangered. Wildlife without claws, feathers, or paws tend to get overlooked, so I like to call attention to these species that may go unnoticed but are critically important to the health of our natural world.”

Click here to learn more about Azalia and her work at Defenders!

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