Duane’s Wish was to visit Billabong Sanctuary with his wife and three daughters and have a Meerkat encounter.
Duane and Meerkats: A wonderful Wish and the culmination of many years of patience.
Duane’s Wish was to visit Billabong Sanctuary with his wife and three daughters; see the meerkats up close, hold a snake and even feed a crocodile. What’s better is that the staff at Billabong Sanctuary went above and beyond and Duane got to experience so much more.
Under perfect June weather, everything fell into place. Duane immersed himself in all the sanctuary had to offer: from friendly and playful meerkats to feeding the second largest croc in Queensland and cradling a python, the surprises kept coming! Duane got to experience the Echidnas up close, visit the wombats and kangaroos, all amongst the beautiful, natural surrounds of Billabong Sanctuary.
For Duane’s daughters, seeing their dad smile while holding the meerkats made the day so much better. This joy spread throughout the family, Duane remarking that this was undoubtedly the best Wish he could have chosen.
A massive thank you to the staff at Billabong Sanctuary who were not only compassionate and so accommodating, but they also honoured Duane with a “Ranger” shirt and cap. A memento that had so much meaning to Duane and his family.
Thank you to our wonderful wish team Michelle, Jasmine and Sue for fulfilling this last wish and Josephine Carter Photography for creating memories forever for their loved ones.
Thank you to our service partner Townsville Hospital and Health – Townsville University Hospital Specialist Palliative Care Unit and the support of Billabong Sanctuary on this special occasion.
Ambulance Wish Queensland is the signature program of Palliative Care Queensland and is proudly supported by the Queensland Government, and we thank the staff and volunteers at both Queensland Health and Queensland Ambulance Service who help our team to fulfil wishes and create memories.
We would also like to thank our Townville Hub Local Supporting sponsor The Good Shepherd Home for their sponsorship of Ambulance Wish Queensland’s Townsville hub and Quilty Desires for donating the beautiful quilts to each of our Wish Recipients.
