Kira, 10:

I wish to go to a penguin colony in South Africa

At 10 years of age, Kira was diagnosed with cancer, however this gregarious little girl did not lose her sense of adventure. Kira lights up when she talks about her love for animals, particularly penguins! When Kira was asked to dream BIG, she wished to visit a penguin colony in South Africa.

Her wish started with a private tour of the penguin habitat at the Brookfield Zoo by a zoologist. After counting down the days until her trip, Kira and her family flew to Cape Town, South Africa for a week-long family vacation. While in Cape Town, they explored the life of penguins at Boulder Beach, the site of one of the world’s largest penguin colonies. She also visited the penguin rescue hospital where she learned how to care for baby penguins. Kira later told us that her favorite part of the wish was actually swimming with penguins at the beach. Though the water was frigid, she did not hesitate to jump right in – she is a true adventurer! This once in a lifetime trip was an experience Kira and her family will never forget.