The final wish of a terminally ill zoo worker was to bid farewell to his animal friends and colleagues. During their poignant last meeting, the giraffes seemed to sense his suffering and tenderly kissed him goodbye.
Animals are remarkable creatures, capable of deep compassion and empathy. They can perceive our pain and grief, experience and convey emotions, and consistently find ways to reach into our hearts.
There are countless instances that prove they remember the affection bestowed upon them by their human caretakers.
Mario Ejis, an employee at Rotterdam's Diergaarde Blijdorp zoo, was fortunate enough to experience the gratitude for the love he had shown the animals.
For 25 years, he served as maintenance staff at this Dutch zoo, dedicating nearly half his life to cleaning animal enclosures and forging bonds with the inhabitants.
Despite his mental disability and a battle with terminal cancer that kept him from work, his final request in 2014, at the age of 54, was to visit the zoo once more.
His health had significantly deteriorated, confining him to bed and impairing his speech, making it difficult for him to form coherent sentences.
In a stroke of fortune, the Ambulance Wish Foundation stepped in to assist. This charity fulfills the last wishes of terminally ill patients by transporting them to places of personal importance.
To fulfill his dream of reuniting with his old friends, Mario was transported to the zoo in an ambulance custom-made for this purpose. Upon his arrival, as he drew near the giraffes, a remarkable event unfolded.
The giraffes approached the ambulance that carried Mario, extending their necks through the window one by one. They seemed to perceive his pain and sorrow, expressing it through their eyes. They tenderly nuzzled him, delivered kisses, and offered comfort.
Olaf Exoo, a member of the foundation, recounted the day's events, noting, "Mario received a gentle lick on his nose amidst much affection," and remarked that this final exchange was a poignant moment that left onlookers with chills.
Kees Veldboer, creator of the Ambulance Wish Foundation, observed:
"The animals recognized him and sensed his deteriorating condition.
It was an incredibly touching moment. You could see the joy in his expression."
Fortunate indeed, Mario had the chance to bid farewell to the animal companions and colleagues he cherished.
Source: www.usatoday.com
