13-year-old Erik has an instant connection with animals.
"Erik is very fun. He loves animals. He's very caring. He has a great imagination. He can tell you stories all day long," said Erik's CPS Adoption Caseworker Bonnie Rushing.
Central Texas News Now went behind the scenes with Erik at the Cameron Park Zoo. We fed the giraffes and learned about endangered rhinos. But when Erik saw Orangutan Mukah, they had a sweet moment.
"He has so much love to give," said Rushing as Erik put his hand against the glass and Mukah did the same.
Zookeepers say Muka is discerning. He either likes you or doesn't and it is clear, he likes Erik.
When asked, "If you could be anything you want to be what would you be?"
"Zookeeper," said Erik.
"What is it about animals you love so much?"
"They're fascinating," said Erik.
Erik is in his element, but in the back of his mind, being able to do things like this with a family, is what he wants most.
"Is it hard to wait?"
"Yeah, but kind of good," said Erik.
"I think Erik would thrive with loving parents that took time to get to know him and have a little patience with him, he could do great things," said Rushing.
Rushing is working to find the right adoption match so he can begin a new chapter with his forever family.
"They have such great potential if given the right direction in life," said Rushing.
You can read Erik's bioto learn more about adoption.
Erik is featured in The Heart Gallery of Central Texas, a program of Partnerships for Children.
You can watch Central Texas News Now's "Forever Families" every Wednesday at 6:30 pm.
