ABOUT US
The River Otter Monitoring Project is a non-profit 501(c)3, dedicated to promoting the protection of North American river otters. We connect biologists, zoologists, universities, zoos, aquariums, government agencies, and community scientists. Working together we will ensure the well-being of otter populations. Through fundraising efforts, we support research and advocate for otter conservation.
OUR TEAM
David Hamilton, M.S.
Executive Director
David is a nationally recognized leader in wildlife conservation and animal care, with over three decades of experience in zoological management and research. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the River Otter Monitoring Project and General Curator at Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, New York.
David holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a Master’s degree in Ethology from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. His professional career began at the Knoxville Zoo where he advanced through roles from keeper to Lead Keeper, and eventually to Curator of Conservation and Science. In 2004, he joined the Seneca Park Zoo, where he has since overseen the Animal Care departmen. He also served as Interim Zoo Director from 2020 to 2021.
A passionate advocate for small carnivore conservation, David has served as the Species Survival Plan (SSP) Coordinator and Studbook Keeper for the North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) since 1999. In this role, he manages the cooperative breeding program across AZA-accredited institutions. He also chairs the Small Carnivore Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) and is an active member of the IUCN Otter Specialist Group, contributing to global conservation.
Under David’s leadership, Seneca Park Zoo has played a vital role in regional otter efforts and continues to support ongoing research and monitoring. He co-leads a long-term genetic diversity study of river otters in New York State through Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where he also serves as an adjunct instructor.
David is an organizer and instructor at national workshops, including the Otter Keeper Workshop.
His work bridges animal welfare, public education, and field conservation—anchored by a deep commitment to the long-term survival of North American river otters.
Dominique Fleitas
Director of Research & Conservation
Dominique serves as the Director of Conservation and Research for the River Otter Monitoring
Project (ROMP), where she leads scientific initiatives, data management, and oversees collaborative projects with partner institutions while ensuring integrity and consistency in all conservation and research efforts.
In addition to her role with ROMP, Dominique serves as the Assistant Curator of the Louisiana Swamp
Exhibit and Jaguar Jungle at Audubon Zoo, a part of the Audubon Nature Institute, where she has cared for North American river otters since 2006 and has worked as a wildlife rehabilitator specializing in otters since 2008. By having this opportunity to enhance the care for otters and share their story while educating guests on the conservation needs and efforts for Louisiana wildlife she is hoping to inspire the next generation of conservationists.
In 2019, Dominique was appointed as a North American river otter representative for the Otter Education Advisory Group, under the Small Carnivore Taxon Advisory Group, overseen by the
Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). In 2021, Dominique was appointed as the Vice Program Leader for the North American River Otter Species Survival Program (SSP) working alongside the Program Leader, David Hamilton, that collaborates with the AZA Population Management Center. Most recently in Spring 2023, she was appointed the North American River Otter Neotropical Otter Rehabilitation Scientific Advisor for the North American Otter Chronicles. Additionally in 2023, Dominique joined as a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Otter Specialist Group, to expand her conservation efforts and collaborate with others on a global scale.
Josh Suit
Director of Outreach and Parnterships
Joshua serves as the Director of Outreach and Partnerships for the River Otter Monitoring Project
(ROMP), where he helps build collaborations with institutions, organizations, and community partners to advance research, data sharing, and conservation of the North American river otter. In this role he supports ROMP as key liaison for growing the geographic network of conservationists and securing collaborations and engaging citizen scientists in the protection of this keystone species.
In addition to his work with ROMP, Joshua serves as the Director of Operations, Engagement and Chief Ranger at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, part of the Audubon Nature Institute. In this capacity,
he oversees operations, visitor engagement, and educational programming, ensuring the Nature Center continues to serve as a vital hub for conservation, learning, and community connection.
Joshua’s background includes work as a wildlife rehabilitator, with a focus on caring for native
Southeastern species including North American river otters. This experience informs both his
conservation efforts and his passion for inspiring others to protect Louisiana’s diverse ecosystems.
He also contributes to international otter conservation as a member of the IUCN Otter Specialist Group, linking local conservation efforts to global initiatives. Through his dual roles, Joshua is dedicated to bridging science, education, and community engagement to foster stewardship of wildlife and natural
habitats.