Penguin Love

We've covered some of this on our Facebook page, but I wanted to go into a little more detail and better highlight how the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore has really demonstrated such compassion to our family throughout Phoebe's illness.

Phoebe has always loved penguins. When she was very little (two years old or so), she thought Snoopy was a penguin--whenever she saw him on TV she would walk and squawk like a penguin.

In first grade the Maryland Zoo's Zoomobile came to her elementary school. In the lead up to the visit, she really hoped they would bring a penguin (they couldn't at that time) and kept saying "What if there's a penguin and it has a sign around its neck saying 'To Phoebe, Love the Zoo.'" We were really afraid that if a penguin did come, Phoebe might runaway with it!

Phoebe at Penguin Coast

To support the Zoo's new penguin exhibit, we adopted a penguin in Phoebe's name--she was disappointed we didn't get to keep it at the house. This package included an invitation to the grand opening of the Zoo's Penguin Coast exhibit.

Phoebe was dedicated to penguins: she always talked about being a penguin veterinarian or working with penguins in some fashion. She really wanted to go work at the Hilton in Hawaii where they have a penguin exhibit.

Penguin Art

When the Zoo learned of Phoebe's illness, they really went out of their way to show their support. A friend of ours contacted them and had wonderful pictures of the penguins with the Fight for Phoebe posters!


Their generosity did not end there: for Phoebe's birthday on December 7th, the Zoo sent us this artwork by the penguins! Turquoise is her favorite color.


When we brought Phoebe home for hospice care, the child life specialist contacted the Zoo to request the Zoomobile come to our home, to which they graciously agreed!

Finally, they sent this picture to us after hearing the story about Phoebe's wanting a penguin of her very own.

Winnie for Phoebe!

Our family simply cannot thank the Maryland Zoo, in particular Jen, Jane, and Amy, for their support and compassion throughout this difficult time. The visit really made Phoebe's, and our, day.