Zak Beltz



Hello! My name is Zak Beltz. I am extremely excited and fortunate to be joining the Junior team at HTHCV. I come from a background in outdoor leadership, teaching about wildlife at the San Diego Zoo and about marine science and oceanography at a local science camp. I also have a background in research and lab science, which I am excited to share with my future students! I have spent extensive time living and working in various parts of Central America, where I learned the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to solving conservation issues, and enough Spanish to make some lifelong friends and colleagues.

Outside of work and school, I freedive, practice yoga and volleyball, hike, and enjoy time with my family. I am an avid backpacker, and I look forward to exploring more of the world with each new year.

A glimpse into my past- I have been educating folks about wildlife for most of my career. I have been lucky to work with some amazing animals and teach awesome students and guests from around the world. I have a passion for making science fun!

With a stingray and students

On camera with Telemundo

An Australian skink I used to work with

From a research site in Costa Rica where I worked with sea turtles and on occasion, sloths.