STAFF SPOTLIGHT
grace bally
COLLECTION MANAGER
MAMMALS NORTH
Grace was raised in Wichita, Kansas where she graduated from Maize South High School in 2019. She graduated in 2023 from Kansas State University with a bachelor's of science in biology and a Spanish minor. While in college she worked at the Sunset Zoo in Manhattan as a program assistant where she worked with education animals. Grace joined the staff of the Ellen Trout Zoo in September 2023 as the big cats primary keeper. Recently, Grace was promoted to Collection Manager of Mammals North which includes the giraffes, rhino, big cats, otter, tamarins, and more.
Favorite Animals: All of the cats
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite Color: Lavender
Little Known Fact: I went to Spain in high school with my Spanish class.
Favorite Memory: When I started my first internship and I saw an elephant up close for the first time. I think that sunk in how much I love it.
Who Inspired You?: All of the people who have dedicated their lives to the welfare of animals and conservation.
Toughest Challenge: Having to say goodbye to the animals you work with.
Best Quote: "You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." - Jane Goodall
Best Advice for Those Wanting to Join the Zoo Field: Get as much experience working with animals as you can.