Phil Torres Biography:
Phil Torres is an American biologist, entomologist, wildlife photographer, science communicator, and television host. He is best known as the field biologist on Discovery’s Expedition X, where he investigates unusual reports and unexplained phenomena alongside the programme’s investigative team.
His television career has also included TechKnow, Ready, Set, Pet, Big Metal Bird, and appearances on Discovery, Animal Planet, PBS, and other science and nature programmes. Before becoming a familiar face on television, Torres spent years conducting conservation research and science education work in the Amazon Rainforest.
Who Is Phil Torres?
Phil Torres is a scientist and television presenter from Denver, Colorado. His work brings together biology, entomology, wildlife photography, conservation, travel, and public science education.
He became widely known for explaining scientific subjects to general audiences. Whether he is discussing insects, rainforest ecosystems, animal behaviour, or unexplained sightings, Torres usually approaches the subject with curiosity and evidence.
His role on Expedition X has expanded his public profile beyond traditional science television. The programme places him in investigations involving strange reports, legends, unusual animals, and possible paranormal activity. Torres brings a field-biologist’s perspective to those stories, asking what can be tested, observed, or explained through science.
Phil Torres Age and Birthday
Phil Torres was born on March 17, 1986, in Denver, Colorado. He is 40 years old in 2026.
He has spent much of his professional life travelling to remote locations and studying wildlife. His experience includes work in tropical forests, coastal environments, deserts, and other challenging field settings.
Family Background
Torres was born in Denver to a family with Nicaraguan, German, and Swedish heritage.
His sister is Eve Torres Gracie, a former professional wrestler and WWE Divas Champion. Eve later became involved in martial arts, fitness, and entrepreneurship.
Phil has generally kept his family life separate from his television work. His public career focuses mainly on biology, conservation, photography, and exploration.
Education
Phil Torres attended Cornell University, where he earned degrees in entomology and biology.
Entomology is the scientific study of insects. His academic background has helped shape his career as a field biologist and science communicator.
He has also been associated with Rice University through further academic work. His studies and field experience have given him a strong foundation in ecology, biodiversity, animal behaviour, and conservation.
Work in the Amazon Rainforest
Before establishing himself as a television host, Torres worked in the Amazon Rainforest. He lived remotely in the region while leading conservation research and education projects.
His official biography says he spent two years living and working in the Amazon, while other biographical accounts describe his wider conservation work there as lasting more than four year.
The rainforest became an important part of his scientific identity. His work involved studying biodiversity, supporting conservation, and helping communicate the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems.
Torres has also reported discovering more than 45 new species during scientific expeditions. Several of those discoveries received attention from major science and media organisations.
Science and Wildlife Photography
Torres works as a wildlife photographer and science advocate. His photography often focuses on insects, animals, landscapes, and the details of ecosystems that are easy to overlook.
Photography is a natural extension of his scientific work. A photograph can document a species, reveal behaviour, support conservation, and help viewers connect with places they may never visit.
His field experience has also exposed him to difficult situations. On his official website, Torres describes being bitten by an anaconda, encountering a tiger shark, and becoming lost in a forest with quicksand.
These experiences reflect the physical and unpredictable nature of the work he has chosen. His career is not limited to laboratory research or studio presentations; much of it has taken place outdoors and in remote environments.
Television Career
Phil Torres began building his television career as a science expert and presenter. He has appeared on Discovery Channel and Animal Planet programmes, often explaining wildlife, insects, science, and unusual natural phenomena.
His television credits include:
Expedition X.
TechKnow.
Ready, Set, Pet.
Big Metal Bird.
American Spring Live.
Discovery and Animal Planet specials.
Science and wildlife programming.
Sesame Street appearances.
Torres also hosted more than 70 episodes of TechKnow, a weekly science and technology programme on Al Jazeera America.
His style is energetic and accessible. He can explain a technical concept without making it feel overly complicated, which has helped him connect with viewers who may not have a formal science background.
Ready, Set, Pet
Torres hosted Ready, Set, Pet, a series focused on animals, pet care, and the relationships between people and their pets.
The programme gave him a chance to present science in a more familiar setting. Instead of focusing only on rare species or remote locations, the series looked at animals that are part of everyday family life.
His background in biology made him well suited to explain animal behaviour, health, and responsible pet ownership.
Big Metal Bird
Torres also hosted Big Metal Bird, a United Airlines series. The programme explored aviation, travel, aircraft, and the science behind flying.
The series allowed him to use his communication skills in a setting outside wildlife and natural history. It also showed his ability to make technical subjects interesting for a general audience.
Expedition X
Phil Torres joined Expedition X as a field biologist and investigator. The Discovery series premiered in 2020 and explores unusual reports, mysterious locations, and claims involving unexplained activity.
The programme is hosted and executive produced by Josh Gates. Torres previously worked alongside paranormal investigator Jessica Chobot, who was later replaced by Heather Amaro on the investigative team. Torres has remained part of the series.wikipedia+1
His role is to bring scientific knowledge and field investigation to stories that may involve animals, environmental conditions, folklore, or paranormal claims.
Torres does not approach every unexplained event as proof of the supernatural. Instead, he considers possible natural explanations, gathers observations, studies evidence, and works with the rest of the team to understand what may be happening.
That perspective gives Expedition X a balance between adventure, mystery, and science.
Is Phil Torres Married to Jessica Chobot?
No. Phil Torres and Jessica Chobot were co-stars and investigative partners on Expedition X, but they have never been married to each other.
Their professional chemistry led some viewers to speculate about a romantic relationship, but the two are known as colleagues and television collaborators. Torres is married to Silja Danielsen.
Phil Torres’ Wife and Children
Phil Torres is married to Silja Danielsen Torres, a Norwegian model and digital creator. The couple met through mutual scientist friends and married on September 23, 2018, in Seattle.
They have two daughters. Their first daughter, Atlis Bjear Torres, was born on March 20, 2022. Their second daughter, Fjora Birdie Torres, was born on March 15, 2025.
Torres briefly took paternity leave during the 2026 season of Expedition X following the birth of his second child. He later returned to the programme.
His family life has added another dimension to his public identity. Alongside his work in remote locations, Torres is also a husband and father who balances international filming with parenting responsibilities.
Phil Torres’ Playing and Investigative Style
Torres approaches investigations through observation, preparation, and scientific curiosity. His work often requires him to remain open to unusual possibilities while avoiding conclusions that are not supported by evidence.
His strengths include:
Field biology.
Entomology.
Wildlife observation.
Conservation research.
Photography.
Science communication.
Outdoor survival.
Explaining complex subjects clearly.
This combination makes him valuable on Expedition X. He can investigate an unusual report, identify possible animal behaviour, study environmental details, and communicate the findings to viewers.
Height
Phil Torres is commonly reported to be approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall.
Net Worth
Phil Torres’ exact net worth has not been independently verified through public financial records. Online estimates vary and should not be treated as confirmed figures.
His income is associated with television hosting, producing, science communication, photography, educational work, speaking engagements, and other media projects.
Social Media
Phil Torres is active on Instagram under the handle @phil_torres.
His posts include wildlife photography, science facts, travel, conservation, family moments, behind-the-scenes television content, and updates from field locations.
Why Phil Torres Remains Popular
Phil Torres has built a distinctive place in television because he connects science with adventure. He can move from discussing an insect species in the Amazon to investigating an unexplained report in a remote location without losing the curiosity that drives both subjects.
His career also shows that science communication does not have to remain inside a classroom or laboratory. Television, photography, travel, conservation, and field research can all work together to make science more engaging.
On Expedition X, Torres gives viewers a way to approach unusual stories with both imagination and caution. He is willing to investigate the unknown, but his scientific background encourages careful observation and evidence-based thinking.
Phil Torres Quick Facts
Full name: Phil Torres.
Date of birth: March 17, 1986.
Age: 40 in 2026.
Birthplace: Denver, Colorado.
Nationality: American.
Profession: Biologist, entomologist, wildlife photographer, science advocate, and television host.
Education: Cornell University.
Degrees: Entomology and biology.
Best known for: Expedition X.
Other programmes: TechKnow, Ready, Set, Pet, and Big Metal Bird.
Amazon work: Conservation research and science education.
Wife: Silja Danielsen Torres.
Children: Two daughters.
Instagram: @phil_torres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Phil Torres?
Phil Torres is an American biologist, entomologist, wildlife photographer, science communicator, and television host known for Expedition X.
What does Phil Torres do on Expedition X?
He serves as the programme’s field biologist and investigator. He brings scientific research, wildlife knowledge, and field observation to the show’s unexplained cases.
Is Phil Torres still on Expedition X?
Yes. Torres remains part of Expedition X and returned after briefly taking paternity leave in 2026.
Is Phil Torres married to Jessica Chobot?
No. Torres and Chobot are former co-stars and professional collaborators. Torres is married to Silja Danielsen Torres.
Who is Phil Torres’ wife?
His wife is Silja Danielsen Torres, a Norwegian model and digital creator.
How many children does Phil Torres have?
Phil Torres and Silja have two daughters, Atlis Bjear and Fjora Birdie.
What did Phil Torres study?
He studied entomology and biology at Cornell University.
Did Phil Torres work in the Amazon?
Yes. He spent years working in the Amazon Rainforest on conservation research and education projects.
How old is Phil Torres?
Phil Torres was born on March 17, 1986, and is 40 years old in 2026.
