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.
When cancer began to take its toll, Mario’s world grew smaller. He could no longer walk the paths he had once roamed freely. The vibrant life of the zoo, which had been his second home, was now out of reach. Hospital walls replaced the open sky, and sterile lights replaced the natural sunlight. Yet through the haze of pain and treatment, one wish burned brightly in Mario’s heart—to see his beloved giraffes one last time before saying goodbye.
This wish touched the hearts of many, and with the help of the Ambulance Wish Foundation, a Dutch charity dedicated to granting the final desires of terminally ill patients, that dream was set to become reality. The foundation worked meticulously to prepare for this unique and delicate visit, coordinating with zoo staff, medical professionals, and volunteers to ensure Mario’s comfort and safety. Continue reading…
