Robert T. Zúñiga

Curiosity Through My Lens

Driven by an enduring curiosity about the natural world and its many inhabitants, Robert uses his trusty camera to immerse himself in the intersection of wildlife, environment, and culture. He earned his graduate degree in Wildlife Documentary Productions from the University of Salford-Manchester in 2022, embarking on a journey to capture glimpses of our contemporary world through his lens.

Before pursuing a career in media, however, Robert sought conservation and volunteer roles that not only allowed him to get his hands dirty but also gave him a chance to explore—from the backyard of his hometown in San Mateo, California, to the lands his family immigrated from in Central America. As a Peace Corps Conservation Volunteer in Panama and a Sea Turtle Research Assistant in Costa Rica, he combined hands-on fieldwork with his cultural roots and academic knowledge. These experiences ignited a passion for capturing meaningful moments through film, guided by a boundless curiosity that takes him anywhere, whether it's deep into the wild or across cultural landscapes.

This passion led Robert to direct and edit projects that shine a light on conservation and animal welfare. His work includes a video for Carrington Animal Shelter, a grassroots organization advocating for cats, rats, and rabbits in need of homes. For his graduate thesis, he produced and edited a ten-minute documentary about the Spanish Ibex inhabiting the mountains of Grazalema, Spain. In 2023, Robert joined Limitless Horizons Ixil, where he created compelling content celebrating the resilience and accomplishments of students in the rural highlands of Guatemala.

Recently, Robert finished his contract as a Digital Media Technician with Joshua Tree National Park, where he created engaging content that educated and inspired visitors about the park’s trails, wildlife, and cultural history. By merging nature and culture, his work invites audiences to connect with the world around them.

Robert’s vision extends beyond wildlife media. He aspires to create content that spans conservation, investigative reporting, and humanitarian engagement, transforming curiosity into impactful contributions and fostering collaboration.