A Virtual Visit with a Powerful Message
In celebration of Black History Month, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium proudly welcomed zookeeper, wildlife educator, and content creator Jordan Veasley—known to many as “Jungle Jordan”—for an inspiring and thought-provoking virtual Q&A session with our staff.
This annual observance is a time to honor and amplify Black voices. But as Jordan reminded us, representation shouldn’t be confined to February. The experiences, contributions, and perspectives of Black professionals in the zoo and conservation community must be celebrated and valued all year long.
Jordan’s journey into animal care began at a young age—but it wasn’t without obstacles. As a child navigating ADHD and anger management challenges, he often found himself in trouble. Yet animals offered comfort and connection. Recognizing his deep passion, his mother advocated for him to volunteer at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo when he was just 11 years old. That early opportunity not only changed the course of Jordan’s life, but also helped spark the development of the Zoo’s teen volunteer program.
His story is a powerful example of how community support, mentorship, and advocacy can transform passion into purpose—and create lasting impact.
Today, Jordan uses his platform to inspire the next generation, especially those who may not see themselves represented in the zoological field. He shared one moving story about a group of students he engaged with at the Zoo. After hearing him speak, they returned the next day with more friends—each visit growing in size. The kids began sharing conservation facts with excitement and confidence, a living example of how exposure and representation can spark curiosity and ignite ambition.
Jordan’s message was clear: visibility matters, and so does opportunity. His story challenges each of us to consider the role we play in shaping the future of conservation. How can we break down barriers? How can we create pathways for young people to see themselves in this field—and believe they belong?
By lifting up diverse voices and creating space for everyone to thrive, we build a stronger, more inclusive future for wildlife and the people working to protect it. Jordan’s energy and passion left attendees inspired to act—as mentors, advocates, and allies dedicated to empowering the next generation of conservationists.
Behind-the-Scenes with Jungle Jordan
In addition to his virtual Q&A session, Jordan recently visited both the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds—and brought his signature energy and curiosity with him. Through a series of videos shared on his social media channels, he gave his audience a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible animals in our care, while highlighting the important conservation work happening at both parks.
These visits were more than just content—they were conversations. Whether he was chatting with keepers, learning about species survival plans, or spotlighting some of our lesser-known residents, Jordan helped shine a light on the dedication of our teams and the wonder of wildlife. His authentic enthusiasm resonated with viewers across the country, sparking new interest in the world of zoos and conservation.
By sharing his journey—and ours—Jordan continues to amplify the message that everyone has a place in this field. We’re grateful for his partnership, his voice, and his commitment to making the next generation feel seen, heard, and inspired.
