When her daughter realized her lifetime desire of caressing a genuine penguin, the old woman broke down in tears of joy.

Lindsay Cross, Christine Cross’s daughter, fulfilled her mother’s wish by giving her a penguin-themed Christmas present.

The 76-year-old, captured on camera shedding tears, is seen patting the bird at SeaWorld in San Diego, California.

She remained silent when I told her about the gift in person. Lindsay remembers, ‘It was more like an excited noise.’

Christine, a former special needs teacher, has a deep connection and affection for penguins.
She identified with them since, although awkward on land, they are graceful in the water.

My mother felt the same way. Although she is a total clutz, she is incredibly graceful in the water.

She has a penchant for collecting items with penguin themes and has long supported zoo animals by contributing funds for their upkeep.

She has a lifelong passion for penguins and has collected toys, sculptures, pencils, clothing, artwork, Christmas decorations, and more.

‘I lost track of how many times she said thank you when we got back!’