KRISTINA WHITNEY STUMP, primary hoofstock/giraffe keeper at Niabi Zoo, will talk to us about giraffe care that includes music and spices! 

Growing up on a hog and cattle farm with a variety of animals, she developed a love for hoofstock from an early age.  She initially fostered the idea of becoming a farm vet, but decided it was not the right career path.  While earning a biology degree from Augustana College, she began volunteering at Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, Illinois, and discovered zookeeping was a much better fit.  Following an internship at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, she accepted a full-time zookeeper position at Niabi Zoo, and became the primary hoofstock keeper a few years later.  In this role, she is responsible for the both the physical and mental well-being of giraffe under her care. She currently lives in Davenport, Iowa, with her husband, two daughters, a cat, and a puppy. 

Plus, Junior Giraffe Club member and volunteer, MARIANA, will share her fun and informative game with us called the Giraffe Adaptation Challenge.

Join us on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11 am EST. Not a member of the Junior Giraffe Club? Join today for FREE!