"Empowering People. Saving Wildlife."  The mission of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is supported by teams steeped in experience at levels only met by dedication for what they do. Each quarter, we'll highlight a Zoo employee who has been nominated by their team to receive well-deserved recognition...not only for their role at the Zoo, but for the person they are as well. Featuring stories filled with reflection, anecdotes, and laughter, you'll want to check back every quarter to read about the incredible people that work here.

Meet Shannon Swint

With a drive to work with orca whales, Shannon decided to be a marine biologist when she was a child. That love of animals never left and eventually led her to a rewarding career after college at the Columbus Zoo as an Operations Manager within Animal Programs. 

Now, Shannon brings her daughters, Annie and Rosemary, to the Zoo and gets to discover the magic all over again - through their eyes. "Our favorite place to be at the Zoo is Shores and Aquariums.  Seeing the manatees reminds me of Florida!" In fact, she has plenty of family memories in Florida, celebrating Christmas with her family at her grandfather's winter house. "He was incredibly hard-working, kind, and patient," said Swint. "He also loved animals, and I think he would have been thrilled to see that my career path has led me to the Zoo."

A love for adventure doesn't stop with a career working with animals, however.  An avid traveler, Shannon and her husband, Jake, have big plans to see the world. "I love to travel," she said. "I love a place with beautiful water and beaches but also lots of history.  We'd like to visit Croatia, Italy, Spain, and Portugal soon."  Adventure can be local, too! "Our family's favorite place to visit is Gull Lake (Michigan) in the summer, but I also love to escape just by taking a walk with my family, reading a good book, or completing a difficult puzzle."

Animal Programs at the Columbus Zoo provide additional ways for guests to connect with the animals in the Zoo's care that they may not expect. Penguins visit school classrooms, sloths relax nearby during Zoo yoga, friendly skunks represent over 600+ animal species in the Zoo's care during their event visits, and more.  As an Operations Manager, Shannon makes sure it all runs smoothly.

Shannon is described as dedicated and thoughtful by her family and coworkers, and we appreciate the work she does daily to support the Zoo's mission and values.