Christian was a bright light in my life, and the Houston Zoo was one of the few places where he truly felt at home. The reptilian and shark areas brought him a sense of wonder and peace that was hard to find elsewhere. Living with autism and ADHD, Christian often struggled to fit in, but among the skinks, snakes, and Komodo dragons, he found solace and contentment. The zoo became a sanctuary for him—a place where he could simply be himself and experience joy without judgment.

Tragically, Christian passed away at the tender age of 16, before he could experience the independence and adventures that awaited him. Losing him has left an unfillable space in my heart, but I want to honor his memory in a way that reflects the happiness he found at the zoo. By creating a memorial bench with a plaque near his favorite exhibits, I hope to give others a place to remember Christian and to support the Houston Zoo’s mission of education and conservation.

I am reaching out to friends, family, and anyone who was touched by Christian’s spirit to help make this tribute possible. Your kindness and generosity will help keep his memory alive in a place that meant so much to him. Thank you for supporting Christian and the Houston Zoo, and for helping us create a lasting legacy in his honor.