Grassy Key, FL… In a heart-warming example of connections being made regardless of physical challenges, a three-year-old blind boy from Tennessee recently shared a hug with a 29 year old blind sea lion at Dolphin Research Center. Isaiyah Gould, who was diagnosed with a Wilm’s tumor and subsequently lost his sight during surgery, wanted to meet marine mammals. His wish was granted by Make-A-Wish Southern Florida who learned that DRC has an older sea lion named Karen that is also unable to see. The special visit was arranged when the Gould family traveled from their home in Chattanooga to the Florida Keys.
Founded in 1984, Dolphin Research Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the peaceful coexistence between marine mammals, humans and the environment we share. DRC regularly works with Make-A-Wish and other organizations to arrange visits with their family of dolphins and sea lions. Make-A-Wish Southern Florida grants the requests of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. For more information, visit www.dolphins.org. To learn more about Make-A-Wish, visit www.sfla.wish.org.
