Grace's slow-paced safari at Dubbo Zoo

This wish is PR approved - please contact marketing@makeawish.org.au if you would like to share Grace's wish story or video on your local Facebook page.

Early stages

Grace's Wish Journey

Grace first began her wish journey 2019 as a six-year-old who loved animals. By chance, Hobart branch Volunteer Team Leader, Robyn Moore realised Grace's mum was one of her doctors, so there is an extra special connection in this wish that you can read all about here. (If you haven’t read this yet, we highly recommend you do!)

During her wish capture, Grace mentioned that she wanted to sleep right next to animals and wake up to them in the morning. Grace and her family would often spend time out in the bush and riding bikes. They did some research on animal experiences and Grace decided a VIP safari experience at Dubbo Zoo would be perfect for her.

It was really important to Grace that her time at the zoo would be on 'Gibbons time' (her family’s surname) and they would not need to rush around at all during her wish experience.

So, it was decided that for Grace’s wish she would spend a week exploring and going on a slow-paced safari at Dubbo Zoo with her family. 🦛🐯

Due to COVID, Grace’s wish wasn't able to be scheduled until 2022. So, in the extended lead up to the wish, Grace's wonderful volunteer team in Hobart - Robyn, Kaye and Cathy - put in a huge effort to keep her engaged. They sent postcards, pictures, quizzes, surprise gifts, books, activities and giant posters with special messages which Grace absolutely loved.

When it was almost time for her wish to come true, Robyn, Kaye and Cathy organised a fantastic presentation to help Grace get excited. They created an amazing Safari themed celebration including cookies and cakes - so much fun!

Unfortunately, another delay occurred. Not long before Grace was due to travel to Dubbo, there was some terrible flooding in the area. It wasn't safe for the family to travel so Grace's wish was postponed again.

Robyn, Kaye and Cathy did a wonderful job continuing Grace’s anticipation journey to keep her engaged the whole time. As wish day approached, Grace's family elected to have a Zoom presentation to avoid the risk of anyone getting sick before the trip.

And then finally, the long-anticipated trip happened! In June this year, Grace made it to Dubbo! Grace started off her wish by having her hair done by the Qantas staff at the airport. What a special way to start a safari! ✨✨

Upon arriving in Dubbo, Grace's family picked up their car and checked in for their first night at Dubbo Zoo's Savannah Cabins. Here they were able to get a good night's sleep before their safari adventure began.

There was much excitement the next morning when Mum, Dad, Grace and her brother Charlie finally headed in to see all of the animals at the zoo! In the meantime, their luggage was transferred to their next accommodation, the Billabong camp. While on safari, they were given some incredible food hampers to cook their own meals.

The next day, Grace had a very special behind-the-scenes meerkat experience featuring some brand new baby meerkats. 🥰🥰 She was able to help set up feeding time, get up close to watch them enjoy their food and learn all about them from the wonderful keepers.

Grace and her family spent the remaining three nights at the Zoofari Lodge Animal View, a private and luxurious African-Style safari experience in the heart of the Zoo. Positioned next to a stunning savannah, they spent their days exploring and enjoying this beautiful home to giraffes, rhinos, zebras and antelopes.

When they returned home, Grace's mum sent the message below:

Thanks Robyn, Kaye, Cathy and Emily. We had a great trip and felt very spoilt! The meerkats were so cute and yes, grace has come home with one! The food at zoofari was a fabulous treat, African inspired! Many many thanks. – Lee

Grace’s wish was so incredibly special because of the effort put in by her wonderful volunteer team Robyn, Kaye and Cathy. Despite multiple setbacks in the lead up to the wish, they ensured Grace was engaged the whole way along, keeping hope that her wish would come true as soon as it could. You can see in Grace’s smile that her slow-paced safari was well worth the wait!