Hayley’s Wish Story Hayley, 14, West Linn Wish: to interact with the manatees

March 31, 2008 - PRLog -- The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oregon
granted this very magical wish come true for a young
lady suffering from Cholangitis, an intestinal blockage.
When Hayley’s wish granting volunteers asked her to
think of her one true wish, she knew right away what
her wish would be. As a girl with dreams of becoming
a marine biologist, the 14-year-old wished to interact
with manatees and get to know the endangered aquatic
mammals up close and personal.
Hayley’s wish came true when she and her family flew to Florida, the natural habitat for the West Indian
Manatee. The morning after Hayley arrived, she traveled to Crystal River, home of the largest
herds of wintering manatees in the world. She observed manatees from inside her boat and then got
a closer look by snorkeling alongside the gentle creatures themselves.
“I had soooo much fun getting so close to a manatee. I even got to rub one’s belly,” wrote Hayley.
Later that day, Hayley visited the Save the Manatee Club at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park,
where the Club surprised Hayley by adopting a manatee in her honor. At the park, Hayley even fed
the manatees one of their favorite snacks, bell peppers.
Hayley’s wish continued the next day with a visit to Sea World’s manatee rescue and rehabilitation
facilities. She participated in the Save A Species Tour, where she went behind the scenes to view the
medical facilities for ill, injured, and orphaned manatees.
The trip ended with a magical experience at the Lowry Park Zoo. Not only did the zookeepers
spend hours talking with Hayley in their manatee rescue facility, but Hayley bottle-fed orphaned baby
manatees as well. The wish experience was truly a wish-come-true for this budding marine biologist.
Contact: Kerry Glass Marketing Manager Kadel's Auto Body
Phone 503-598-1159 Email kerryg@kadels.com FAX 503-968-8099

Website: www.kadels.com