KMSP: Gopher football players spend summer working at Como Zoo

per KSTP:

When the University of Minnesota’s director of player development advertised about summer jobs working with St. Paul Parks and Recreation, two Gopher football players jumped at the opportunity.

U of M defensive linemen Jerry Gibson and Winston DeLattiboudere are soaking up the benefits of their first time working alongside animals - zebras, giraffes and more.

“I think they are black with white stripes,” said Gibson. “Some people say white with black stripes, who knows, it’s a zebra. They are just real chill animals.”

Three days a week, the 6 feet 3 inches tall friends and teammates patrol the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Equally as important, they act as ambassadors answering questions and helping people any way they can.

“Having a connection with the kids is a good thing as well,” said DeLattiboudere. “I know we look like we are big scary dudes walking up on a little kid, but we got big, soft hearts. As soon as they see that they are warm towards us.”

While Gibson has worked security at TCF Bank before, for DeLattiboudere it’s all new, while juggling an online class and summer workouts. They both agree there are similar responsibilities in their different uniforms.

“As far if they need help finding a missing kid or different things like that, it’s just the communication aspect because on a team you have to communicate calls - stadiums with 100,000 people - so communication is always key,” said DeLattiboudere.

Rarely are they recognized, which both say is a bonus.

“You get to kind of step away from football and be a regular human being and provide a service for people,” said Gibson. “So that’s another refreshing feeling you have.”

http://www.fox9.com/sports/gopher-football-players-spend-summer-working-at-como-zoo

Go Gophers!!

per the AP:

Winston DeLattiboudere and Jerry Gibson, as defensive ends for Minnesota, will be engaging their share of daunting blockers on the field this fall.

Those oversized and overpowering offensive linemen in the Big Ten were the least of their worries one day this summer, when a 16-foot, 2,000-pound creature approached them in search of an afternoon snack.

“Is he going to eat the whole stick? Is he going to lick my hand?” DeLattiboudere wondered aloud with amusement and a bit of anxiety about whether Skeeter, the 9-year-old giraffe at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, would stick to the leaves and lettuce being offered or become more interested in chewing on his fingers.

No digits were damaged that day at the feeding station . The interaction with the world’s tallest animal was merely another memorable and rewarding encounter on the job for these good friends and Gophers teammates who worked as security guards at the zoo before fall camp began. Gibson was locking up one evening when a gorilla startled him by throwing a branch at a nearby net, but otherwise the experience was all smiles and sunshine.

“I like it because you’re an authority figure here,” Gibson said. “The way you present yourself, that’s how people respect you at the zoo. Then people come looking for help from you, instead of seeing you as somebody who just wants to be mean to them and get them in trouble.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/spor...b4c13286d6b_story.html?utm_term=.89e064a1599d

Go Gophers!!