When the nation's top zoo first recruited ZooMontana Director Jeff Ewelt to be their chief zoological officer, Ewelt hesitated. It was his son's senior year at Billings West High School and Ewelt couldn't imagine not seeing Harry play football in his final season.

"I feel like the senior year is such an important year in my son's life and the last thing I wanted to have happen was not to be present," he said in a Tuesday interview.

But the folks in Omaha weren't going to give up on Ewelt. They called again, offering to make sure Ewelt could be in Montana for the Golden Bears' games if he would come to Nebraska. That was the final piece in the puzzle that sent the man who is credited for saving ZooMontana from going out of business and turning it into a success.

"It's bittersweet, that's for sure," Ewelt said. "It was a tough decision, to say the least, but I'm excited, and I have no doubt the zoo is going to be in good hands."

Saving ZooMontana

In 2011 ZooMontana was in jeopardy of closing due to severe financial issues. The zoo was in desperate need of some fresh ideas and advertised nationally for a new executive director. That’s when Jeff Ewelt first heard of the zoo.

Ewelt, who has a degree in environmental communication and interpretation from Ohio State University, immediately started considering the opportunity, though friends thought he would be foolish applying for the job. It was well known in the tight-knit zookeeper community that ZooMontana was hitting rock bottom.

The zoo had lost its Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation and the possibility of closing was discussed. However, love for a challenge and Ewelt’s firm belief in a zoo’s importance in a community led him to apply and eventually accepting the position.

Ewelt has known he wanted to work with wildlife since he was in the sixth grade. He was living in Cleveland at the time and had an opportunity to job-shadow a wildlife biologist at a local science center.

“The gentleman that I was shadowing let me hold an owl at the end of the day. The moment the owl was in my hands I knew what I needed to do with my life,” he said.

However, even after earning a degree, finding gainful employment working with wildlife was a challenge. His first job out of college was at the Columbus Zoo. But it was selling “Pepsis and hotdogs — just to get my foot in the door,” he said.

It took another two years to get a promotion to work with wildlife. After gaining experience with wild birds, Ewelt moved to ZooTampa in Florida. He worked as an animal ambassador and trainer for about a decade before he saw the ZooMontana's ad.

Ewelt quickly helped make the zoo a viable entity and regain its accreditations.

World-renowned zoo

Spending even a short amount of time with Ewelt reveals a joy for life, a man constantly consumed by his mission and a passion for conservation, something Luis Padilla, president and CEO of the Henry Doorly zoo and Aquarium has known since the two met while caring for two bears at ZooMontana that were being moved to the St. Louis, Missouri zoo.

“Jeff’s expertise brings a unified structure to our zoo, where every aspect of an animal’s care — both at our zoo and in our conservation efforts — will be guided by one highly qualified leader,” Padilla said. “He is uniquely suited to deliver on our vision of conserving wildlife and wild places."

Ewelt has an infectious optimism and a personality that inspires and elevates those around him, Padilla said.

"We are thrilled to welcome him as we continue our forward momentum and solidify our position as a leader in animal care and conservation,” he said.

Ewelt will officially join Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park on April 14.

Zoos are one of the best ways to share love for charismatic wildlife and the need for conservation with the community, he said. And zoos are often the last stand for endangered species — especially those extinct in the wild — and could become more important as climate change and habitat loss pushes many species to the brink.

As Henry Doorly Zoo's new Chief Zoological Officer, Ewelt will lead the strategy and vision for all aspects of animal care — with 39,000 creatures in exhibits — solidifying the zoo’s status as a global leader in animal care and conservation.

"[Ewelt] brings decades of experience in leadership, animal care and the zoo and aquarium industry. He will oversee and centralize all aspects of animal care, including critical functions such as animal behavior and wellbeing, science and animal health," the zoo said in a press release.

Ewelt is excited to get back in the field as the zoo increases their already strong conservation reach.

"They really want to strengthen their conservation reach, and they already do amazing conservation programs," he said. "They want to start doing a lot more field work, not just locally to the region, but worldwide. I'm just personally thrilled and excited to get back out in the field and doing that type of work.”

Ewelt will also be tasked to get the word out about the zoo. It has been named the top zoo in the U.S. for the past three years in the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. It is operated by the nonprofit Omaha Zoological Society and features immersive exhibits and guest experiences on 160 acres in the heart of Omaha.

Ewelt said he is looking forward to meeting all of the thousands of creatures, but is especially excited to work with their largest animals.

"Mega fauna is always fun to work with. I've briefly worked with elephants, but never on a full time basis. That's going to be pretty amazing. They have a really incredible elephant program," he said. "Giraffes are always fun, but honestly, the aquarium world is new to me, so I'm looking forward to that."

The new leader

Jessica Hart, who has been with ZooMontana for five years, will be replacing Ewelt as the interim CEO. Hart most recently served as the zoo’s chief operating officer for the past three years. The board unanimously voted Hart into the role. 

ZooMontana’s Board Chair Holly Cremer said Hart was the ideal replacement for Ewelt.

“We are pleased to name Jessica as our Interim CEO. Her leadership experience, strategic vision, and commitment to our mission make her an ideal choice to lead us through this transitional period," she said. "We are confident that under her direction, we will continue to thrive and build on our success.”

Ewelt was thrilled with the choice.

“Jessica has been an integral part of ZooMontana’s success over the last several years, and I have complete confidence in her ability to lead during this important time,” Ewelt said.

Before joining ZooMontana, Hart served as the events manager for the Billings Chamber of Commerce, where she honed her leadership skills and gained valuable experience that will serve her well in her new role at the zoo.

Hart said she was “beyond excited" to replace Ewelt.

"I know how important this leadership transition is, and I have so much confidence in our incredible team and where we’re headed,” she said. “I’m ready to take on this challenge and lead with the vision and energy ZooMontana deserves."

As Hart transitions into her new role as interim CEO, she will continue to build upon the legacy of Ewelt’s leadership, ensuring that ZooMontana remains a vital, forward-thinking part of the Billings community, dedicated to wildlife conservation, education, and providing an exceptional experience for all visitors, the board of directors said in a press release Tuesday.