Lourdes Hernández

Lourdes, born and raised in Panama City, is a trained conservation biologist. Her first experiences with nature started early on as she spent weekends on her family’s farm. There she encountered birds, frogs and tall canopy trees along with the sounds and aromas of traditional Panamanian cuisine. While studying her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Biology, she participated in multiple tropical biology courses around Panama with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). These were the first field experiences in forests that still feel like a second home.

As a biologist, “Lou” has worn different hats through the years. She worked as a research technician contributing in molecular biology, ornithology and plant ecology projects. Later on, she completed a Master's degree in Wildlife Conservation from the University of Bristol, where her research focused on road ecology around protected areas in Panama. Her next step took her to lead the Animal Welfare team in Summit Park: a metropolitan garden focused on environmental education and rescued wildlife exhibitions. Here she got to immerse herself in communicating science to diverse audiences through public speaking and creation of educational content. This blend of experiences led her to become a naturalist guide in Panama. As a naturalist, Lou enjoys sharing the wonder for nature with people from around the world while learning the mechanisms that make our ecosystems so diverse and her country’s culture and history so rich. Beyond biology, Lou has spent time studying animal training and volunteering in community street art installations and museum exhibitions.