In one of the most poignant moments ever witnessed in the animal care world, a giraffe leaned down to give a tender kiss to a terminally ill zookeeper. The zookeeper, who had spent decades of his life caring for animals at a Dutch zoo, made one final request: to say goodbye to the animals he loved.
This heart-wrenching moment unfolded at Rotterdam’s Diergaarde Blijdorp Zoo, leaving a lasting memory of compassion, connection, and the power of fulfilling someone’s final wish.
A Life Devoted to Care
The central figure of this story is Mario, a 54-year-old zookeeper who had dedicated his life to the well-being of animals. For much of his adult life, Mario worked at the Diergaarde Blijdorp Zoo, where he maintained the giraffe enclosure.
Though Mario was mentally disabled, his love and commitment to the animals he cared for never wavered. The zoo was not just a workplace for him; it was his home, a place where he forged deep bonds with both animals and coworkers.
After a terminal cancer diagnosis, Mario’s condition deteriorated, leaving him unable to return to the zoo in his final days. Yet, his connection to the animals remained strong, and he had one heartfelt wish: to see the giraffes one last time. His request was simple, but the emotions behind it were immense.
Fulfilling a Final Wish
When Mario expressed his desire to return to the zoo, his caretakers knew it would require more than a simple visit. His health was failing, and he was bedridden, unable to move without assistance. That’s when the Ambulance Wish Foundation stepped in, an organization dedicated to helping terminally ill patients fulfill their last wishes, even if it requires complex logistical efforts.
Founded in 2007 by Kees Veldboer, a former ambulance driver, the Ambulance Wish Foundation was created with the mission of giving terminally ill individuals the opportunity to experience meaningful moments in their final days.
The foundation’s specialized ambulances, equipped with large windows and customized features, allow patients to travel in comfort and still enjoy the view as they are transported to their chosen destination.
Upon hearing Mario’s wish, the foundation acted swiftly. Arrangements were made to transport him safely from his hospice to the zoo. The staff at Diergaarde Blijdorp Zoo was more than happy to welcome Mario back, preparing the giraffe enclosure for his arrival.
A Moment of Unspoken Connection
As Mario’s hospital bed was wheeled into the giraffe enclosure, a quiet sense of anticipation filled the air. His caretakers, family members, and zoo staff gathered around, knowing this would be a deeply emotional moment. What followed was a scene that few would forget.
One of the giraffes, an animal that had been under Mario’s care for years, approached the bed slowly and gracefully. It was as if the giraffe could sense that something was different—that the man who had always been a familiar presence in the enclosure was now lying motionless, visibly weakened by illness.
With tender curiosity, the giraffe leaned down and extended its neck toward Mario. In a moment that can only be described as pure and instinctive, the giraffe planted a gentle kiss on Mario’s face. The onlookers were moved to tears, as the bond between man and animal was undeniably real. The giraffe seemed to understand that this was a farewell—a final, bittersweet goodbye to the zookeeper who had spent so much of his life caring for these majestic creatures.
The Power of Animal Bonds
This touching moment serves as a reminder of the profound connections that can exist between humans and animals. While animals may not express emotions in the same way that humans do, there is no denying their ability to form bonds with those who care for them.
Giraffes, in particular, are known for their gentle nature and deep sensitivity to their surroundings, making this emotional goodbye all the more impactful.
As Kees Veldboer, the founder of the Ambulance Wish Foundation, explained, “The animals recognized him and sensed that something wasn’t right.” It’s a powerful testament to the intuitive nature of animals, who can often perceive emotions and changes in their environment in ways that we may not fully understand.
A Last Goodbye of Giraffe to Colleagues
Beyond his connection to the animals, Mario also shared a special bond with his colleagues at the zoo. For years, he worked alongside the staff, forming close relationships with the people who understood his passion for animal care. Despite his mental disability, Mario had earned the respect and admiration of his coworkers, who saw him as an integral part of the team.
On that emotional day, after saying his goodbyes to the giraffes, Mario also took time to say farewell to his colleagues. Surrounded by the people who had become like family to him, he shared final moments of reflection and appreciation. It was clear that Mario had left an indelible mark on the lives of those who worked with him, just as he had on the animals he cared for.
The Ambulance Wish Foundation: Making Dreams Come True
The organization that made Mario’s final visit possible, the Ambulance Wish Foundation, continues to impact the lives of many terminally ill patients across the Netherlands and beyond.
Their mission is simple but powerful: to grant the last wishes of those who are nearing the end of their lives. Whether it’s a visit to a favorite location, a reunion with loved ones, or a simple desire to experience a cherished moment one last time, the foundation works tirelessly to bring these dreams to life.
Each year, the foundation fulfills hundreds of wishes, ranging from visits to the beach to reunions with family pets. In one notable instance, the foundation helped an 86-year-old man return to his farm in Oss to say goodbye to his beloved ponies. These moments are not only meaningful for the patients but also provide comfort and closure for their families.
A Legacy of Compassion
Mario’s story is just one of many that highlight the compassion and dedication of both the Ambulance Wish Foundation and the people who work tirelessly to make final wishes a reality.
The emotional farewell between Mario and the giraffe is a beautiful reminder of the deep connections we share with animals and the importance of kindness and understanding in our final days.
The zoo, the foundation, and everyone involved in fulfilling Mario’s wish provided him with a sense of peace and closure. His final goodbye to the giraffes was more than just a fleeting moment—it was a testament to the power of love, compassion, and the unspoken bond between humans and the animals they care for.
