Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) has been announced as a finalist in the Animal, Wildlife and Marine Welfare category in the fifth annual Defender Service Awards presented by CHASE.

Category winners will be determined by a public vote, open from October 3-19, 2025. To learn more about The Defender Service Awards, watch the finalists’ videos and cast your daily vote, visit https://www.landroverusa.com/experiences/events-and-sponsorships/defender-service-awards/vote/animal-welfare.html

Each winner will receive a customized Defender 130 vehicle tailored to their needs, along with a $30,000 award to help advance their mission. The purpose-built Defender 130 vehicle will aid the winning organizations with its off-road capability and go-anywhere spirit, including features such as Terrain Response, 8,200 lbs of towing capacity, 89 cubic feet of cargo space, seating for up to 8, wading depth of 35.4 inches and 11.5 inches of ground clearance to traverse the most challenging terrain.

DEFENDER, the original British adventure brand, is recognized across the globe for inspiring humanitarian action, conservation and adventure.

"The Defender Service Awards, presented by Chase, honors nonprofit and charitable organizations who embody the spirit of Defender and is proud to announce this year’s category finalists," said a news release. "Exemplifying the Defender brand’s ongoing commitment to driving meaningful change through service and humanitarian efforts, these 25 nonprofit and charitable organizations across the US and Canada are making a significant impact to aid and serve those in need."

Marine Mammals of Maine was founded in 2011 to fill a gap in need for the State of Maine and is dedicated to marine mammal and sea turtle response, rehabilitation, research and community outreach. At the core of this work is a 24/7 year round hotline that the public can use to report strandings and an experienced dispatcher will help assess the situation and tailor an appropriate response.

"Our coverage region spans roughly 2,500 miles of Maine's coastline and we operate the state's only rehabilitation facility or seals" said Lynda Doughty, MMoME Executive Director. "It's important for us to always be there when a call arises, no matter the weather or terrain and the addition of a Defender would make a significant impact on our response and animal transport options."  

Sam Allen, U.S. Brand Director of Defender, said: “As we celebrate five years of the Defender Service Awards, we continue to be inspired by the missions and people of nonprofit and charitable organizations across North America. Their unwavering dedication to service reflects the spirit of the Defender brand and our commitment to supporting those who drive real change in their communities.”

The finalists in the Animal, Wildlife and Marine Welfare Category, presented by Disney are:

• HIT Living Foundation – Los Angeles, CA

• Marine Mammals of Maine – Brunswick, ME

• The Gentle Barn – Santa Clarita, CA

• Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society – Vancouver, BC

• WildCare Oklahoma – Noble, OK