Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
LEHI — At 10 years old, Donovan is equal parts scientist, explorer, comedian and dreamer. Inside the paleo studio at the Mountain America Museum of Ancient Life in Lehi, he is completely in his element: sharing dinosaur facts, exploring fossils and making everyone around him smile. “Yes,” Donovan said while touring the lab. “It’s where you guys fossilize all the dinosaurs. You take a look at them, fix them up and put the dinosaurs together.” Curious and confident, Donovan always seemed ready with an answer. “It’s a T. rex,” he said. “I don’t really know everything about dinosaurs, but I try. You know what the horns were used for? Self-defense.” During his visit, Donovan excitedly points out some of the biggest dinosaurs to ever live. “Those are the biggest dinosaurs ever existed on planet Earth,” he said. But dinosaurs are only part of what makes him unique. “I like science, space, arts and crafts, including paint, scissors, tape, stapler, cardboard, crayons, pencils, markers, Sharpies,” he said. At school, he especially enjoys engineering, science and learning about space. Donovan also has a quick wit and loves making people laugh. “What does the bat say to its Valentine?” he joked. “I like hanging around you.” Behind the jokes and dinosaur facts, Donovan is still hoping for something permanent. He has been in foster care for about three years and dreams of finding a loving family. “Yeah,” he said softly when asked what he wanted most. “Just like a family.” When describing his ideal home, Donovan already has a pretty clear picture in mind. “Like mom, dad, brother, sister, a little brother and a bunny,” he said. “Like kind, fun to be around. We could play games every night, do movie nights. Don’t forget the ice cream.” Whether he becomes a paleontologist, astronaut, or engineer someday, Donovan is hoping to find a place where he truly belongs. To learn more about Donovan, visit the Raise The Future website.
