Animal handler Stump '04 specializes in giraffes

Kristina Stump, an animal handler at Niabi Zoo, has a special relationship with the zoo’s three giraffes. A 2004 biology graduate from Augustana College, Stump has worked full-time at Niabi for nine years. Her job requires patience but offers plenty of variety. “There’s always something unexpected,” she said. “Also, I really enjoy the relationship you can have with the animals. Like with the bull giraffe; there’s a lot of trust there and it takes a long time to build that up.” Read more