One of the greatest blessings my wife, Lisa, and I have experienced is seeing how a simple wildlife encounter can bring hope, encouragement and lasting joy to a young person facing special challenges.
Recently, my family and I had the privilege of sharing one of those moments through our Wild Wishes® ministry during a special visit to the Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve.
About a year and a half ago, I met a young lady named Abby. As we talked, it quickly became obvious that she had a deep fascination with sharks. Over time, I felt the Lord placing it on my heart that one day we should give her the opportunity to experience these incredible animals up close in a safe, hands-on environment. When the opportunity finally came together, we were thrilled that Abby was able to bring a friend along, making the day even more memorable.
The girls spent time interacting with an amazing collection of marine life, including bamboo sharks, nurse sharks, stingrays, dogfish and one unforgettable giant pufferfish that looked like some kind of friendly alien from another world. One of the highlights of the day was stepping into the interactive habitat, where they were able to safely share the water with sharks and rays while learning more about these remarkable animals from the aquarium staff.
For anyone who loves sharks, it’s an experience they’ll never forget.
Wild Wishes, founded by Lisa and me, exists to provide unforgettable wildlife and outdoor encounters for children facing special challenges. Whether they are battling a serious illness, overcoming difficult circumstances or simply in need of hope and encouragement, our mission is to express the love of Christ through meaningful wildlife experiences. To date, we have been blessed to fulfill 332 Wild Wishes, each one representing an opportunity to encourage a child, strengthen a family and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Many people know me through my wildlife journalism, conservation work, the Gulf Great White Shark Society, Dark Outdoors, Higher Calling Wildlife, my books and speaking engagements. Those efforts focus on wildlife education, conservation and sharing the outdoors with a broad audience.
Wild Wishes® is different.
It is our personal ministry.
Lisa and I created Wild Wishes because we wanted to take the opportunities we have through wildlife and use them to make a personal difference in the lives of children and families. Sometimes that means introducing a child to sharks. Other times it involves birds of prey, fishing, big game wildlife, reptiles or another unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Every wish is tailored to the child, but the goal is always the same: to bring encouragement, inspire wonder and create memories that will stay with them long after the day is over.
Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful these experiences can be. Young people who may have only seen sharks on television suddenly find themselves face to face with bamboo sharks and nurse sharks. Animals that once seemed frightening become fascinating. Curiosity replaces fear, and appreciation replaces misunderstanding.
That transformation is one of the reasons wildlife encounters matter so much.
We’re incredibly grateful to the Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve for helping make this experience possible and for providing such a wonderful environment where these young ladies could safely interact with sharks and other marine life. Their staff helped make the day educational, exciting and unforgettable.
Most of all, we want to thank everyone who supports Wild Wishes through prayers, encouragement and financial gifts. Every donation, every volunteer and every word of encouragement helps make experiences like this possible. You are helping create memories that can last a lifetime while opening doors for young people to experience wildlife in ways they may never have imagined.
Watching Abby and her friend interact with sharks they had only dreamed about seeing reminded us exactly why Wild Wishes exists. Experiences like these replace fear with understanding, inspire curiosity and often spark a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and conservation. When young people develop a personal connection with animals, they are far more likely to become future stewards of the natural world.
Lisa and I look forward to creating many more Wild Wishes in the years ahead. Thank you to everyone who continues to partner with us and make these experiences possible. Together, we’re introducing young people to the incredible world of wildlife while helping inspire the next generation of conservationists, one Wild Wish at a time.
Chester Moore
Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms
@gulfgreatwhitesharksociety on Instagram
@thechestermoore on Instagram
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Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.
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