Giraffe kisses zookeeper

A dying man’s final wish to see the animals he took care of for over two decades
became a reality on Wednesday March 19th. New York Daily News cited that Strichting Ambulance Wens, the Dutch Ambulance Wish Foundation, who offers free transport for terminally ill patients was responsible for making zookeeper Mario Eijs, final wish come true.

Mario Eijs, a 54 year old man who suffered learning difficulties most of his life volunteered doing what he enjoyed the most. He spent the last 25 years, cleaning pens and taking care of animals as a zookeeper at a Holland zoo. Blijdorp Zoo in Rotterdam, is one of the oldest zoos in the Netherlands.

Co-workers and bystanders watched as Mario was wheeled into the giraffes’ enclosure. Several giraffes became curious, while one amazing giraffe did the unthinkable. The amazing creature bent down to kiss the cheek of Mario. Fox4KC reported that the amazing scene was captured on film and can be seen on the Ambulance Wish Foundation’s Facebook page. Log in to watch the amazing footage that stole the countries heart.

Ambulance Founder Kees Veldboer, “These animals recognize him, and felt that things aren’t going well with him.” Veldboer said to Dutch Newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, “It was a very special moment. You saw him beaming.”

Foundation worker Olaf Exoo, “It was a last greeting to each other that gave everybody watching goose bumps.” Olaf went on to say, “Mario got a lick on his nose after a lot of snuffles.”

Credit Dutch News and the Strichting Ambulance Wens Foundation for reporting this heart felt story. Watch the video and images on Strichting Ambulance Wens Nederland/Facebook for more on this story.