About Jeff the Nature Guy:
Over the past eleven years, Jeff Ewelt and his team have provided top-notch care for their animals at ZooMontana. Jeff came to the zoo at a time when it was on the brink of shutting down. But thanks to him and the incredible team at the zoo have given the zoo some much-needed TLC.
Jeff knew he had a love for animals at a young age. In sixth grade, his class was assigned a local job shadowing project. Jeff picked a local science center in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. Towards the end of the day, he was taken to a room, and when he opened the door, he saw a tiny saw-whet owl. It was something that has stuck with him for his entire life. “When that bird hit my hand, something in me happened. I didn’t know at the time, but I now know that it was my passion being born,” said Ewelt.
One of Jeff’s all-time favorite animals is the vulture. Vultures are very intelligent and bond with others, similar to a dog. He also has a love for all the underdogs of the animal world, like spiders, cockroaches, and other creepie crawlies. One animal he misses working with is the manatee, and he had a chance to interact with them while working in Florida.
While attending college at Ohio State University, Jeff got a job at the Columbus Zoo, selling concessions. He graduated with a degree in Environmental Communication, Education, and Interpretation. Jeff says his degree focused a lot on public speaking and feels it can do wonders for your confidence and career. Most of his animal knowledge is self-taught.
Animal Bites with Jeff the Nature Guy is an educational segment showcasing the animals at the ZooMontana and why they are all important. Check out Animal Bites with Jeff the Nature Guy!
