Dakota S. Age 12 Rockland, Maine "I wish to visit the Australia Zoo."

For as long as he can remember, Dakota has loved all things creepy and crawly. He can name all the various types of lizards, snakes, crocodiles, and bugs. His favorite show is The Crocodile Hunter and, in fact, Dakota knows that some day he will have a job like Steve Irwin's. Dakota made a wish to go to Irwin's Australia Zoo, and in February, 2005, Dakota and his family headed Down Under.

Before visiting the zoo, Dakota's family spent a couple days on a working farm in the outback. The family milked cows, gathered eggs, branded calves, tagged calves' ears, and herded cattle. After a long day's work, the family dined under the stars and learned about the people, history, and animals of Australia from the farm's owners.

Then Dakota and his family went to the Australia Zoo, which he said was "incredible." Dakota was able to hold wallabies, snakes, iguanas, and pat kangaroos and dingoes. A zoo attendant told Dakota that Steve Irwin was in China, however, he wanted Dakota to have one of the hats that only the zoo staff wear. Dakota thought the zoo was surely the best place on earth, and has resolved that he will go back. As he left the zoo, he said to his parents, "This was the best wish in the world. No not the world...the universe!"

Wish Granters:  Tena Wallace, Michelle Philbrook, Tracy Dorr

Wishmaker®:   Donnaleen Dinapoli