News

Helping a Boy’s Wish Come True

Eight-year-old Oban Birmingham wished to be a nature photographer.

In February, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary was honored to help make a young boy’s wish come true. Eight-year-old Oban Birmingham, a Lymphoma patient, has a big interest in nature and was especially enthralled by photographs of endangered Florida panthers he saw in National Geographic magazine. When Oban said he wished to be a wildlife photographer for a day, Make-a-Wish South Florida contacted photographer Carlton Ward, who offered to take Oban to the Sanctuary.

Oban and his dad enjoyed an exclusive, back-country tour with Carlton Ward, who shared his passion for wildlife conservation and let Oban use his camera. While they didn’t see a Florida panther that day, they did see many birds, alligators, and more. Several local media outlets joined the tour to cover the story at Make-a-Wish’s invitation. We hope this helps inspire the next generation of conservationists. 

News Coverage:

FOX-4 News Ft. Myers

WINK (CBS) News Ft. Myers

ABC-7 News Ft. Myers

Oban Birmingham with Carlton Ward Photo: Zee Anna Photography
Oban Birmingham spots an alligator from the boardwalk. Photo: Zee Anna Photography
Oban Birmingham and his dad after an exciting day. Photo: Zee Anna Photography

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