Meet the Team: Cary Valdes-Perez, Treasuer

What do you do, when you aren’t reclaiming wildlife?

I’m a CPA at Kaufman Rossin, on the board of the Zoetic Stage - a local theatre production company putting on original and broadway plays and musicals at Carnival’s Theatre Up Close in The Arsht Center, and an investor at Beat Culture Brewing. When I’m not busy juggling those things, I just had a baby and I have a 2 year old Vizsla that keep me entertained, to say the least.  I also love going to music festivals and traveling... preferably together. 

How long have you been interested in helping animals?

I’ve always cared about nature and the environment, and have a fondness for all animals. I took a liking to marine life as a kid and was often glued to the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet, so when the opportunity to team up with an organization to help animals presented itself, I was happy to climb on board

What’s your favorite animal and why?

Flamingo - I loved that they are pink and as a kid I thought they didn’t have any predators and could easily escape danger by just flying away. They were the stylish bird, and they hung out by bodies of water, which I’ve always enjoyed,  it seems like the perfect animal to be. 

What’s one animal fact you’ve learned on your most recent animal encounter?

Lemurs have a Matriarchal hierarchy.

What’s your spirit animal?

A Lemur - I love that the females run things.... and they are just so cute. Their hands resemble a human’s, even their nail beds. I had an opportunity to carry one and it grabbed my finger... I lost it! 

What’s an interesting fact about you that not many people know?

I’m pretty much an open book. When you meet me what you see is what you get. Yes there are layers, but I express the same personality in all scenarios. 

What’s your guilty pleasure (PG, of course)?

Drag Brunch at R House! I go wayyyyy too often, but it’s soooo much fun. I need those girls to teach a dance class.... shut up and take my money 💰 

Favorite animal movie?

All Dogs Go to Heaven

Next item you plan to cross off your bucket list.

Scotch Tasting in Scotland

Next big trip.

Alaska Cruise in May 2020