Giraffe Bids Heartfelt Farewell To Ailing Zookeeper

For over two decades, Mario dedicated himself to the care of the beautiful creatures at the zoo.

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• May 20, 2024

In the serene sanctuary of the zoo, where the tranquil balance between nature's wonders and human presence harmoniously coexist, a tale of profound affection and bond unfolded. For over two decades, Mario dedicated himself to the care of the beautiful creatures at the zoo.

Among them, his favorites were the giraffes. But life took an unexpected turn when illness struck him down. Mario, found himself battling a sickness that wouldn't let go.

However, his love for the giraffes never waned. In a touching moment at a zoo in the Netherlands, something magical happened.

The Ambulance Wish Foundation stepped in to fulfill Mario's heartfelt desire. Despite his condition, Mario longed to be with the giraffes one last time. And so, his hospital bed was wheeled into their enclosure.

As Mario lay there, surrounded by the towering giraffes, a tender scene unfolded. One of the giraffes approached Mario and gently kissed him goodbye.

It was as if the animal understood Mario's plight, offering comfort in its unique way. The moment was so touching, it moved everyone who witnessed it.

The Ambulance Wish Foundation, through the kindness of its volunteers, made Mario's final wish a reality. They brought him back to the place where he had spent so much of his life caring for these majestic animals.

It was a fitting tribute to a man who had given so much to his furry friends. Kees Veldboer, the founder and director of the foundation, shared the special moment with a local newspaper.

He described how Mario's face lit up with joy as the giraffes surrounded him. It was clear that they recognized him and wanted to offer him solace in his time of need.

Mario dedicated 25 years to caring for zoo animals, especially beloved giraffes.

Mario, terminally ill at 54, wished to be wheeled into Rotterdam’s Diergaarde Blijdorp zoo's giraffe enclosure.

Giraffes, just like a bunch of other animals, have this amazing knack for sensing sickness and disease in humans, even if we're not showing any clear signs. Research has proven that they're pretty good at picking up on subtle shifts in our bodies, letting us know when something's not quite right.

Take dogs, for instance; they can sniff out cancer, and horses can tell when someone's feeling jittery. It goes to show that animals have this special talent for noticing even the smallest changes in how we smell, act, or look. It's pretty mind-blowing stuff and makes you think even more about the special connection between us and animals.

A giraffe approached him and gently kissed him goodbye, creating a touching moment.

"Dying Zoo Worker Gets Goodbye Kiss From Giraffe."

In reflecting on Mario's journey, we are reminded of the profound impact of compassion and connection, especially during times of hardship. Organizations like the Ambulance Wish Foundation exemplify the extraordinary ability to make dreams a reality, even amidst the most daunting challenges.

Mario's story is an example of the boundless power of love, which transcends barriers of species and touches the hearts of all who bear witness.

Damjan