Saying Goodbye to His Favorite Animals — A Man Facing Terminal Illness Visits the Giraffes One Last Time

At the heart of this calm scene was something extraordinary: a hospital bed placed gently amid the towering trees and grassy habitat where the giraffes roamed. In the bed lay Mario, a man of 54 years whose life had been intertwined with this zoo for more than three decades. His body, weakened by a relentless battle with terminal cancer, appeared fragile and worn. Yet on his face was a faint, peaceful smile that spoke of a spirit undimmed by suffering.

Mario’s story was one of quiet dedication and deep love. Though he was not a zookeeper by title, his commitment to the animals had been unwavering. For over thirty years, Mario worked as a maintenance worker at Diergaarde Blijdorp, spending countless hours caring for the animals and their homes. His days were filled with tasks others might overlook—mending fences, cleaning enclosures, repairing watering systems—but to Mario, these were acts of devotion.

Among all the creatures at the zoo, the giraffes held a special place in his heart. Their elegant presence, long necks reaching for the sky, and gentle eyes had captivated him from the start. The giraffes recognized Mario, not just by his voice and scent but by the rhythm of his daily visits and the kindness he radiated. Over time, a bond had formed—silent and profound—between man and beast.Continue reading…