Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Malazarte.
Hi Christine, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Back in 1997, a 7th grade teacher inspired me to try domestic rats as pets after having domestic mice for a couple years. I gave them a shot and fell in love with them. Nearly 30 years later, I still take care of them but at an even larger scale.
What started as a small animal rescue project in July 2019 in response to the closure of another rat-specific rescue in Ventura County evolved into what is now South Bay Rodent Rescue, a small animal rescue dedicated to the care and rehoming of domestic rats and mice in Los Angeles and all surrounding areas. Due to the closure of that rescue, which I had served as a foster for, there was no group providing support for pet rats between the Bay Area and San Diego until SBRR came into existence. We gained non-profit status in 2022 and have rescued/rehomed over a thousand animals (and counting) in that time.
We provide these animals a clean and safe environment until they are adopted to their forever homes. If they are not adoptable, they remain in sanctuary status to live the rest of their lives comfortably in a place where they will be loved. We also serve as a connection to other animal rescues that cater to other small animals, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and chinchillas.
Rodents are often misunderstood as dirty, disease-ridden creatures. Many people do not know that there is a difference between pet rats and the ones that are often found outside roaming the neighborhood. SBRR also strives to educate pet owners and non-pet owners alike on the proper care of these animals as well as promote a positive image of domestic rodents as ideal pets and amazing creatures. In addition to rescuing and adopting them out, we also appear regularly in off-site events to share our love of these critters! It’s often a nice change of pace when patrons visit pet fairs expecting just dogs and cats and then come visit our display to interact with friendly rats.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Animal rescue is not a glamorous job, nor is it an easy one. Burnout is very normal, and many organizations will fold under the pressure. It is a mission that requires the perfect balance of both emotion and logic. And while the work can take a toll on one’s mental health, having a huge support system of dedicated people and friends with lots of different skillsets and talents goes a long way to maintaining long-term stability. Some of the stories that bring the animals to us are sad and traumatic. However, many of the results that we gain from those low moments give us the energy we need to continue providing our services to the community.
We experienced growing pains like any organization would, such as changes in leadership, building up the workspace and animal sanctuary, and retooling policies and procedures to reflect the wisdom we’ve gained through our work. Every day is a learning experience, and we do stay on our toes for the crazy moments. In addition, attaining non-profit status also took a lot of effort, but that has continued to add more legitimacy to what we do.
We have spent many years cultivating a community of rat lovers and enthusiasts who support us through donations of time and funds, online engagement on our social media platforms, and spreading the word about what we do. We have had volunteers join us in a moment’s notice for rescue operations such as mass animal dumpings in public areas or to assist in transporting animals out of unsafe areas. It’s great to know that we can “call for backup” when things get crazy.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When I’m not running the animal rescue, I’m a professional in higher education, teaching both community college courses and serving as an instructional technologist for a local university. I also freelance as a videographer and an IT support specialist. It’s a juggle and requires lots of discipline and time management, but the work I do in both these fields has given me a lot of skills and inspiration that I apply to my nonprofit organization. I’m in a unique position where I can help people in several different aspects of the community, and there are times when those places overlap each other. But my personal goal is to leave my world better than when I walked into it.
When I’m not working, I’m an ice hockey goalie and ride motorcycles long distances. I can’t seem to stand still!
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I often tell people that, even if you never consider a rat for a pet, please adopt a rescued animal from a shelter or a rescue organization. Animal rescues and shelters are overcrowded, and every little bit helps in trying to reduce numbers. Please spay/neuter your pets and make sure that they receive proper veterinary care. All animal rescues benefit from public support, be it volunteering or donations. Every little bit helps.
Also, we were one of several dozen rescues on standby to assist with displaced pets during the Eaton and Palisades fires. That was a very stressful time for us, but we were able to provide temporary shelter for several groups of rats whose families were evacuated from the danger areas. We’re proud to have been there for our animal parents.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.southbayrodentrescue.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southbayrodentrescue/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southbayrodentrescue
Image Credits
All photos taken by Christine Malazarte.
