From early childhood, Hugo displayed a curiosity and interest for the natural world that would grow into the passion for wildlife and nature that defined his life and his career. What started off like any other kid catching frogs in a pond, soon developed into bringing home injured animals to assist in their recovery, and also any dead creatures he came across on his wanderings to learn more about how animals worked on the inside. Unsurprisingly, this led Hugo to a career in veterinary science. While pursuing his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, Hugo spent his spare time working at Barcelona Zoo and at different wildlife rehabilitation centres across the country. His work at the zoo soon evolved into a full time position as staff veterinarian, later becoming head vet and leading the Barcelona Zoo veterinary team. During the 20 years he worked there, Hugo was involved in many initiatives beyond his day to day duties as zoo veterinarian, both inside and outside the Barcelona Zoo. He conducted research on a range of wildlife health and welfare topics, was heavily involved in conservation work on ex-situ and in-situ conservation projects, and collaborated with research institutions, regulatory bodies, and fellow veterinarians and scientists across the world.

One particular project that was a great source of pride and joy to Hugo was the Dorcas Gazelle reintroduction in Senegal. Captive bred gazelles born at the Barcelona Zoo were reintroduced to the Ferlo Nord Wildlife Reserve with the help and support of local communities, and Hugo loved having boots on the ground and seeing people coming together to work for wildlife conservation. Hugo's dedication to wildlife and conservation and his love for the natural world were a driving force throughout his career. But people were also a driving force in his career. Hugo had boundless enthusiasm for working with like minded people, for bringing them together to share knowledge, stories, and encourage collaborations.

He was especially passionate about helping the next generation of wildlife conservationists, be it lecturing at the veterinary school he had attended, co-supervising postgrad students, giving over one hundred national and international veterinary students work experience at the Barcelona Zoo, or setting up a yearly pathology internship that was recognized by the European College of Zoo Medicine for the requirements of specialist residency training in Zoo Health Management. His appreciation for people's role in wildlife conservation was reflected by his active involvement in EAZWV over the years. A long-standing valued member of EAZWV taking an active role in committees and on the board which culminated in his role as executive director of the organisation, a position he would hold until his untimely death in 2025. While his time in this role was all too brief, it was a position where Hugo's ability and enjoyment for connecting with people shone strongest, and, perhaps for this reason, is remembered by his family and close friends as one of the happiest periods of his life.