About me

My name is Walt Zink. Some people that are visiting this site may not know much about who I am, so I wanted to share who I am and why I decided to do this.

I'm 40 years of age, was born in Concord, MA, and have lived all across the United States over those years. Since my freshman year in college at Arkansas State University, I have worked in the restaurant industry. The last twelve years, I've bartended here in Boston. Some days, it's physically demanding, but I enjoy what I do. It affords me many things that I may not be able to do at a desk job. I have just recently begun traveling abroad, and in October of 2011 and 2012, visited Nepal to trek the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Next October, I will visit Nepal again and visit the Everest region, but this time I wanted to help give back while doing so, as it may be the last large endeavor I can make for some time.

My reason for picking the Snow Leopard Trust begins, really, with my fascination with the snow leopard. Some estimates have their numbers in the wild at less than 500, but it's hard to say for certain, as they're very elusive, and their environment is a very harsh and unapologetic one that man still has barely explored - the Himalayas. So since I will again be within the Himalayas, I wanted to help not only the snow leopard, but also the many other species that call this area home. Our encroachment on these areas and animals also have a lasting impact on mankind. Keeping this environment accessible while maintaining respect for said environment and the wildlife it contains is something I find very important.

When I was deciding what organization to help promote and raise funds for, I was looking for one that would tie in with the trek. It narrowed down to ones that promoted environmental issues or those dealing with the wildlife or habitats. Ultimately, my fascination for the snow leopard led me to lean towards the Snow Leopard Trust, and I am proud to say that I will be doing this trek for them.

“Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served. But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
Taken at the airport in Delhi in November 2011

Donate to Trek For A Cause - Snow Leopard Trust at Razoo