For Shawni Weibel, a passion for animals has been a defining part of her life for as long as she can remember.

"I was born loving animals," Shawni says.

That passion was evident from an early age. When planning her first birthday party with friends in kindergarten, Shawni's parents suggested something a little different. Instead of asking for gifts, she chose to collect donations for the Franklin County Animal Shelter. The experience left a lasting impression and planted the seed for a lifelong commitment to helping animals. 

Years later, that commitment led her to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Inspired by countless Zoo visits with her family and her love of watching "Secrets of the Zoo", Shawni chose to make a donation to support the Zoo's manatees in 2022. "My mom called the Zoo, and I was able to meet Keeper Dan at the Zoo's Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Center and personally hand him my donation," Shawni recalls. "That experience sealed the deal."

What began as a single donation quickly evolved into a cherished annual tradition. Each year, Shawni and her family host a garage sale to raise money for the Zoo's Adopt an Animal program. Together, they bake cookies, create handmade crafts and 3D-printed items, and dedicate every dollar raised to supporting a different species at the Zoo. One of the highlights for Shawni is presenting her donation to the keeper who cares for the animal she has chosen to adopt, creating a personal connection to the animals and the people who care for them every day.

Her involvement with the Zoo has grown beyond philanthropy. Today, Shawni also serves as a ZooAide volunteer, sharing her enthusiasm for wildlife with guests and helping inspire the next generation of conservationists.

One of her favorite places to spend time is the Zoo's North America Trek region. "I love visiting and volunteering anywhere in North America Trek, both the new and old sections," she says. "My favorite area is probably either the songbird aviary or one of the canid habitats, since canids are my favorite animals."

While she has her favorite spots, Shawni enjoys exploring every corner of the Zoo.

"I also love to revisit regions of the Zoo that I haven't been to in a while to rediscover all of the amazing animals throughout the entire Zoo."

For Shawni, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a place where people can turn their passion for wildlife into impactful action. "The Zoo's goal of conservation education is a vital part of our community because it gives people who love animals like me a place to share that love and help conservation in a real, impactful way," Shawni explains.

As both a donor and volunteer, she has seen how powerful those connections can be. The Columbus Zoo not only provides unforgettable animal experiences but also helps visitors understand their role in protecting wildlife and wild places. Shawni believes that inspiring people to care is one of the most important steps in creating a better future for animals around the world. "Conservation and supporting the natural world are two very real issues to me," she says. "Advocating for my local zoo is a great way to support an organization that directly benefits work being done that aligns with those causes."

Through her generosity, creativity, and dedication, Shawni demonstrates that you are never too young to make a difference. Whether she is raising funds through her annual garage sale, volunteering her time as a ZooAide, or sharing her love of animals with others, she is helping advance the Zoo's mission and inspiring those around her to do the same.