Laura Zerra: Survival Legend on Naked and Afraid Season 18
Laura Zerra storms back into the wild for Naked and Afraid Season 18, which premiered on Discovery on March 9, 2025. A survival expert and fan favorite, she’s mentoring rookies with her unmatched skills in brutal challenges. This article dives into her story, from her adventurous roots to her latest TV stint. Let’s explore Laura’s journey!
Table of Contents
- Profile Summary
- Biography
- Age and Birthday
- Survival Background
- Ethnicity
- Height
- Family
- Partner
- Education
- Job
- Naked and Afraid Season 18
- Net Worth
Laura Zerra’s Profile Summary
- Full Name: Laura Zerra
- Age: 39
- Birthday: September 16, 1985
- Hometown: Agawam, Massachusetts
- Current Residence: New Hampshire (nomadic)
- Job: Survivalist/Author
- Show: Naked and Afraid Season 18 (Discovery)
- Premiere Date: March 9, 2025
- Net Worth: Estimated $200,000 – $500,000
- Instagram: @laurazerra
Biography
Laura Zerra grew up in Agawam, Massachusetts, exploring forests and swamps as a kid, tracking coyotes and deer. She’s forged a life as a survivalist, thriving in the wild long before TV fame. From hunting roadkill as a teen to mastering primitive skills, Laura’s worked as a farrier, taxidermist, and crab boat crew member. She debuted on Naked and Afraid in 2013 and now returns in Season 18 to mentor newbies, cementing her status as a wilderness icon.
Laura Zerra Age and Birthday
Zerra hits 40 this year, born on September 16, 1985. At 39 as of March 14, 2025, she brings decades of survival savvy to Season 18. Filmed in 2024 at 38, her age fuels her relentless drive.
Survival Background
Laura reigns as a survival legend. She’s conquered five Naked and Afraid challenges, from Panama’s jungles to Alaska’s icy glaciers, logging over 100 days naked in the wild. She’s speared fish, hunted tirelessly, and braved blizzards—like that Idaho elk hunt in a whiteout. Laura’s book, A Modern Guide to Knifemaking, showcases her blade mastery, honed through real-world grit.
Ethnicity
Laura keeps her ethnicity under wraps, but her Massachusetts roots hint at a mix—possibly European descent common in New England. She focuses on her skills, not her background, letting actions define her.
Laura Zerra Height
Zerra stands at 5’4” (163cm).
Laura Zerra Family
Laura stays quiet about family. She’s nodded to a sister who nudged her into survival TV, but skips details on parents or kids. A nomad by choice, she prioritizes adventure over settling down.
Laura Zerra Partner
Laura isn’t married and keeps her dating life a mystery. No husband or public partner exists as of 2025—she’s dodged wedding bells so far. Fans once speculated about her survival buddy Jeff Zausch after their close teamwork, like in 2019’s Savage, but Jeff’s married to Gabrielle Zach since 2013 and dating Erin Munoz post-divorce. Laura’s Instagram shows no romantic hints—just her dog Nerron and wilderness shots. She’s likely single, thriving solo in her nomadic world.
Education
Laura tackled Ethnobiology at Connecticut College, studying plants and cultures. She learned more from real gigs—tanning hides, forging knives, tracking game—than any textbook. The wild’s her true classroom.
Job
Laura lives as a survivalist and author. She teaches primitive skills, pens books like her knifemaking guide, and dives into wild challenges. Naked and Afraid skyrocketed her fame, but she’s been at this for 20 years, cameras or not.
Naked and Afraid Appearances
Laura first faced Naked and Afraid in Season 1 (2013), surviving 21 days in Panama with Shane Lewis—her spearfishing skills stole the show. She returned for XL challenges:
- 2014 (Colombia): 40 days with a team, proving her endurance.
- 2017 (South Africa): 60 days, hunting big game.
- 2019 (Savage): 21 days with Jeff Zausch, battling storms.
- 2021 (Alaska): 21 days solo, facing blizzards.
She’s logged over 100 days naked in the wild, never tapping out—a record fans adore.
Naked and Afraid Season 18
Laura stars in Naked and Afraid Season 18, launched March 9, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Discovery. She’s mentoring rookies with Steven Lee Hall Jr., hitting spots like the Philippines and Kentucky’s backwoods. Episode 3, “Return of the King,” on March 16, might spotlight Steven, but Laura’s likely there, sharing fire-starting tricks and mental toughness over 21-day stints. With zero tap-outs, she’s a fan must-watch.
Laura Zerra rules Naked and Afraid Season 18 as a survival icon. Mentoring with raw skill and no quit, she’s inspiring the next generation. Catch her Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Discovery, starting March 9, 2025—don’t miss her in action!
Naked and Afraid Season 18 Cast
Apart from Laura, the other cast members of the 18th season of Naked and Afraid are:
- Mandy Horvath
- Steve Lee Hall Jr.
- Jonny Yates
- Amanda “Mandy” Wilson
- Ernie Hinojos
- Fernanda
- Ally
- Jenny
- Elli
- Jarrell
- Ashley
- William
- Jolie
- Bill
- Justin
- Malik
- Andrew
- Chad
- Tray
- Chev
- Michael
- Skye
- Julian
- Stephanie
- Noah
- Shawn
- Danielle
- John
- Malu
- Omar
- Iver
Laura Zerra Net Worth
Laura’s net worth ranges from $200,000 to $500,000. TV appearances, her book, and workshops fuel her cash flow. She lives lean, not chasing wealth—a big Season 18 could still bump her earnings.
Laura’s Instagram, @laurazerra, rocks over 220k followers. She shares rugged moments like hunting, fishing, prepping for challenges. Late 2024 posts teased her Season 18 comeback, and fans are hooked for more as episodes roll out.