Words by Olivia Minnier and photos by Kelly Jacoby

During the humid and hot summer in central Ohio, the volunteers at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium can be spotted educating visitors about the animals in their green polos. One volunteer in particular, Jamie Machovina shines while informing guests about the Sea Lions and Harbor Seals in Adventure Cove.

Jamie is a 32-year-old Powell resident who lives at home with his mom, Susan. He has always had a strong love and interest in animals, leading him to a previous job at Safari Adventure in Sandusky, Ohio.

“Jamie advocates for himself, by expressing how he feels and what is important to him. Jamie worked as a Zookeeper in Sandusky for 7-8 years. His experience started with volunteering, internship, and then employment. His responsibilities included cleaning, monitoring areas visitors paid to see animals, and opening the Zoo at 7:00 am. He managed his job duties well and enjoyed the experience,” said his Service and Support Administrator, Diana Barnhart.

Jamie has always held employment and volunteer opportunities as he enjoys keeping busy and learning new things. He also has obtained an associates degree from Bowling Green Firelands Community College.

For the past several years, he has been volunteering at the Columbus Zoo. He said he loves the hands-on work and educating guests.

“[I love] being able to share my knowledge about the animals and answer a lot of questions.”

As a part of his volunteer work at the zoo, he was able to participate in the zoo’s halloween themed night with Zoombezi Bay called Zombezi Bay. He was a scare actor and enjoyed dressing up and playing a zombie.

In addition to his volunteer duties, he is currently working to be a docent. Becoming a docent requires 50 hours of training plus 10 hours of continuing education.

These volunteers answer any questions visitors might have about the animals or the exhibit and are expected to have a high level of knowledge.

Diana said Jamie has been incredibly dedicated to the schedule and has been working hard to achieve this new goal.

“Jamie wants to do well in everything he sets out to do. He is dedicated to finding a job where he can help others and make a difference,” she said.