Dressed in just a T-shirt and Bermuda shorts, Zelao climbs five or six times a day up trees that can reach 50 meters (some 164 feet) in height.
He collects fruit, leaves or cuts branches.
He also installs cameras on tree tops to film birds and monkeys.
For security he has a harness, a rope and thick rubber-soled boots. Sometimes he clambers from one tree to another.
"It is very risky and requires a lot of technique, a lot of physical preparation," said Zelao, adding that he has already undergone surgery four times on damaged ligaments.
Even so, he has no intention of slowing down.
"It's very difficult to find a climber. My schedule is booked until December 20," he said.
Even though his profession is highly sought after, these tree climbers have no job security.
They are paid by the day, with no contracts and no social security.
"Their work should be regularized as field technicians and they should get training," said Pereira.
Despite the risks, Zelao intends on passing on the baton to his 19- and 21-year-old sons once his body says stop.
