STAFF SPOTLIGHT
grace brown
ZOOKEEPER
MAMMALS SOUTH
Grace was raised in Lufkin, Texas where she graduated from Central High School in 2022. She is currently pursuing a degree in animal sciences. Grace joined the staff of the Ellen Trout Zoo in the summer of 2022 where she started in the education department as the seasonal educator for 2022 and then transitioned to the hippo primary keeper in August of 2023.
Favorite Animals: Opossum, hippo, secretary bird
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite Color: Green
Little Known Fact: I ran cross country and track in high school.
Favorite Memory: Hand feeding Lady Bug (the opossum Animal Ambassador in the education department) for the first time.
Who Inspired You?: Whitney Anderson, Ellen Trout Zoo's Director of Education. Working in education made me realize zookeeping was what I wanted to do and she encouraged me to follow through with that.
Toughest Challenge: This paper. Also, outliving the animals you take care of.
Best Quote: "Welp, when life gives you lemons." - Vine
Best Advice for Those Wanting to Join the Zoo Field: Do internships and volunteer work at animal care facilities.