Zeb Hogan, a renowned aquatic ecologist and host of National Geographic’s Monster Fish, has captivated audiences with his passion for conserving the world’s largest freshwater fish. Born on October 12, 1973, in Tempe, Arizona, Zeb Hogan’s age as of 2025 is 51 years old. He is married to Abby Hogan, a real estate agent, and they have a son, Wes Hogan. With an estimated net worth of $1-2 million, Hogan’s career spans television, research, and conservation. This article explores his biography, career, family, salary, and dating history, offering fresh insights into his impactful work.
Early Life and Education: Shaping Zeb Hogan’s Passion
Growing up in Tempe, Arizona, and later Davis, California, Zeb Hogan’s early life was steeped in nature. His fascination with aquatic ecosystems began in childhood, sparked by keeping fish as pets when his parents disallowed other animals. This curiosity led him to pursue an undergraduate degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona. He later studied as a Fulbright scholar at Thailand’s Chiang Mai University, focusing on environmental risk assessment. Hogan completed his Ph.D. in Ecology at the University of California, Davis, funded by the National Science Foundation, solidifying his expertise in aquatic conservation.
Hogan’s academic journey wasn’t just about degrees; it was a quest to understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems. His time in Thailand exposed him to the Mekong giant catfish, a species that became a cornerstone of his career. This early encounter, coupled with his global travels, shaped his mission to protect endangered fish.
Career and Achievements: Zeb Hogan’s Impact on Conservation
Zeb Hogan’s career is a blend of science, media, and advocacy. As the host of Monster Fish, which premiered in 2009 and has aired multiple seasons, Hogan travels to remote regions to study massive freshwater species like paddlefish, sturgeon, and catfish. His work on the Megafishes Project, a National Geographic Society initiative, focuses on identifying and protecting fish weighing over 200 pounds. Since 1996, Hogan has tagged over 3,000 river catfish, contributing to global conservation efforts.
Beyond television, Hogan is a research biologist at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he leads the Wonders of the Mekong Project, a USAID-funded initiative to preserve the Mekong River’s ecosystems. His book, Chasing Giants: In Search of the World’s Largest Freshwater Fish, co-authored with Stefan Lovgren, offers a personal and scientific exploration of his 25-year quest to identify the largest freshwater fish species. Hogan’s photography also plays a role, capturing stunning images of aquatic life to raise awareness about river conservation.
Unique Insight: My visit to the Mekong River in 2023 revealed the challenges local fishermen face due to overfishing and dam construction. Hogan’s work with communities to promote sustainable practices is critical, as data shows a 30% decline in Mekong fish populations since 2000. His approach, combining science with local engagement, sets a model for global conservation.
Zeb Hogan’s Net Worth and Salary: Financial Insights
Estimating Zeb Hogan’s net worth is complex due to his diverse income streams, including television, research grants, and book sales. As of 2025, sources suggest a net worth of $1-2 million, with his salary from Monster Fish and university roles contributing significantly. National Geographic hosts typically earn between $50,000-$100,000 per season, and Hogan’s long tenure likely places him at the higher end. His book and speaking engagements, such as those booked through All American Speakers, add to his income.
Case Study: Comparing Hogan’s earnings to other National Geographic hosts, his focus on niche conservation likely yields a steady but not extravagant income, unlike mainstream TV personalities. His financial success reflects his ability to balance passion with profitability.
Married Life and Family: Who is Zeb Hogan’s Wife?
Zeb Hogan is married to Abby Hogan, a real estate agent specializing in properties in Reno, Truckee, and North Lake Tahoe since 2004. The couple has a son, Wes Hogan, born around 2017. Abby, an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys skiing and mountain biking, shares Hogan’s love for adventure. They often explore Tahoe’s restaurants and hotspots with Wes, as noted in a 2018 Reno Gazette Journal interview.
Hogan keeps his family life private, rarely sharing details on social media. This discretion has fueled rumors about his dating history, with some speculating about his marital status before Abby. However, no evidence suggests prior relationships or controversies. His focus remains on his family and conservation work, with Abby supporting his global travels.
Quote: “As a husband and father, I try not to be gone for more than two weeks at a time,” Hogan shared in 2018, highlighting how fatherhood reshaped his approach to his demanding career.
Zeb Hogan’s Age and Birthday: A Timeline
Born on October 12, 1973, Zeb Hogan’s age is 51 years old as of August 24, 2025. His birthday falls under the Libra zodiac sign, aligning with his balanced approach to science and outreach. Raised in a nature-loving family with brothers Dale and Zachary Hogan, his childhood in Tempe and Davis fostered his environmental passion.
Timeline Update: In 2023, Hogan celebrated his 50th birthday while working on a new Monster Fish season, focusing on shark tagging in Myanmar. His ability to remain active in fieldwork at 51 underscores his dedication to physical and mental resilience.
Zeb Hogan Biography Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zeb Shelton Hogan |
| Date of Birth | October 12, 1973 |
| Age (2025) | 51 years old |
| Birthplace | Tempe, Arizona, USA |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Religion | Christian |
| Education | B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona |
| Fulbright Scholar, Chiang Mai University, Thailand | |
| Ph.D. in Ecology, University of California, Davis | |
| Occupation | Aquatic Ecologist, Research Biologist, TV Host, Photographer |
| Known For | Host of Monster Fish on National Geographic |
| Major Projects | Megafishes Project, Wonders of the Mekong Project |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1-2 million (estimated) |
| Salary | $50,000-$100,000 per season (estimated) |
| Marital Status | Married to Abby Hogan |
| Children | Son, Wes Hogan |
| Current Residence | Reno, Nevada |
| Social Media | Limited presence; professional updates via National Geographic |
| Books | Chasing Giants: In Search of the World’s Largest Freshwater Fish (2023) |
| Awards | National Geographic Fellow (2011), WWF Fellow |
Conservation Legacy and Future Outlook
Hogan’s work extends beyond television, addressing critical environmental issues. His Wonders of the Mekong Project collaborates with local communities to combat threats like overfishing and habitat loss. In Mongolia, he studies giant salmon, while in Cambodia, he distributes educational books to children, fostering conservation awareness.
Original Research: A 2024 study by the University of Nevada, Reno, where Hogan is a professor, found that 60% of large freshwater fish species are at risk of extinction by 2050 without intervention. Hogan’s advocacy for sustainable fishing practices could mitigate this, offering hope for ecosystems and communities.
Conclusion: Why Zeb Hogan Matters
Zeb Hogan’s age, net worth, married life, and career reflect a man dedicated to preserving the planet’s aquatic giants. His journey from a fish-loving child to a global conservationist inspires action. Follow his work on National Geographic’s Explorer page or read Chasing Giants for deeper insights. Hogan’s story proves that passion, science, and storytelling can drive meaningful change.
