Nicole Van Zutphen
Communications Manager

Nicole is an experienced science communicator as well as a documentary photographer and filmmaker. She received her BA in Creative Industries with a specialty in film at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), where she was inspired by the power that visual storytelling holds to educate, inform, and challenge antiquated narratives.

Nicole began her career in multimedia communications for an NGO in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest, focusing on the biodiversity of the Manu Biosphere Reserve and sustainable development of its communities. After returning to Toronto, she continued her focus in wildlife conservation, but shifted to urban landscapes as the Multimedia Coordinator for the Toronto Wildlife Centre – Canada’s largest wildlife centre and a leader in the field of wildlife rehabilitation.

Now thrilled to call Vancouver home, Nicole collaborates with the scientists at Raincoast to support all programs through photo and video storytelling, the production of web pages, articles, social media, maps, and more.

In her spare time, you can find Nicole running, hiking, and taking advantage of all BC has to offer with her camera in hand.

nicole [at] raincoast [dot] org

Nicole holds up her massive and impressive camera looking intent and focussed on taking the best photo.

Recent articles

An aerial shot of two killer whales swimming near the surface, one ahead of the other, with a salmon floating in between them.

New study investigates prey sharing in two closely related killer whale populations

Drones reveal hidden differences in how fish-eating killer whales cooperate.

An aerial shot of a group of beluga whales swimming near the surface of dark water.

By listening in on belugas, scientists can better understand their social structure and their conservation needs

New research highlights strong population structure in the endangered St.…

One killer whale surfaces in a calm blue ocean with the tops of green trees in the foreground.

Take action: Give public comment until July 22, 2026

Action alert: It’s not just endangered species being undermined by…

Kathy Jago, in a red hat and red coat, works in a forest meadow.

Giving back to what you love

How a passion for plants blossomed into a local stewardship…

A killer whale leaps from the water's surface, a dolphin also jumping beside it.

We are back with the fourth edition of the Raincoast Ocean Science Awards! 

An evening to celebrate coastal conservation at the Vancouver Aquarium.

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