The Heartbreaking Moment Giraffe Gives Dying Zookeeper A Final Kiss Goodbye

Mario had been a diligent zookeeper for 25 years, tending to the beautiful animals that he so much adored. Despite the serious medical conditions that would soon take away his life, Mario's love for his animals, especially the giraffes, remained unwavering. In a tearful moment that tugged at the heartstrings of every observer, a giraffe bid farewell to the man who had spent his entire adult life taking care of it at a Dutch zoo.

Source: Diergaarde Blijdorp / Rotterdam Zoo

On his deathbed at 54, Mario's last request was to be brought into the enclosure of the giraffes at Rotterdam’s Diergaarde Blijdorp Zoo, where he had worked for most of his life. To everyone's surprise, one of the giraffes approached Mario as he was lying there. A heartwarming scene unfolded as the giraffe showered Mario with tender kisses. Then, the other ones followed suit. They could sense that Mario was unwell, and they wanted to comfort him.Source: Diergaarde Blijdorp / Rotterdam Zoo
Mario got to spend his final moments in the zoo, in the love of the wonderful animals that he had spent his career looking after. Thanks to the efforts of the Ambulance Wish Foundation, his wish was fulfilled. The reunion was organized by the organization as a suitable tribute to a committed zookeeper and as a testament to the strength of empathy and bonding between people and animals. To help realize the last desires of those like Mario who are battling sickness, the Ambulance Wish Foundation depends on the kindness of volunteers and benefactors.
“You could see him totally light up,” Kees Veldboer – founder and director of Ambulance Wish Foundation, told Rotterdam newspaper Algemeen Dagblad. “It’s so special to see that those animals recognize him, and a sense that he isn’t doing well…a very special moment. You saw him beaming.”

Source: Diergaarde Blijdorp / Rotterdam Zoo

Many studies have shown that animals have a remarkable capacity to detect illness and disease in people, even when there are no obvious noticeable symptoms. Mario's giraffes are proof that some animals can and will show love towards those whom they consider family, even if they are not of the same species. What goes around, comes around.
Watch the full footage of Mario's emotional last meeting with his giraffes here
Check out our website for more wholesome stories like this.