STAFF SPOTLIGHT
lexie fryling
ZOOKEEPER
MAMMALS NORTH
Lexie grew up in Orange, California, where she was homeschooled before graduating in 2015. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Biola University in La Mirada, California, in 2019. Her passion for working with large mammals led her to gain hands-on experience at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, where she further developed her skills in animal care and husbandry. Lexie joined the Ellen Trout Zoo team in the summer of 2024 as the Mammals North swing keeper and now serves as the primary giraffe and rhino keeper in the Mammals North section, bringing dedication, curiosity, and a deep respect for these animals to her work each day.
Favorite Animals: Too many to count... Giraffe, rhino, bontebok, (all) otters, anything cute.
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite Color: Aqua
Little Known Fact: I started in the zoo field in education at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Favorite Memory: When Chitabe, our rhino, let me first touch him.
Who Inspired You?: My family, Steve Irwin, Jack Hanna, Kratt Brothers, and my supervisors at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Toughest Challenge: Recognizing that I can be a perfectionist in a field where time management is important.
Best Quote: "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney
Best Advice for Those Wanting to Join the Zoo Field: Get experience where you can. Do your own research about animals and ask questions. There's no end to the knowledge you can have so keep learning!