Elderly Chimpanzee Refuses To Eat Or Drink Until She Hears The Voice Of Her Favorite Caregiver
The professor didn't hesitate and jumped at the chance to come and say a final goodbye to his old friend.
Every now and again, we hear a story that really warms our hearts. And the story of Mama the chimpanzee is absolutely one of them.
Mama was the matriarch of a colony that was co-founded by Professor Jan van Hooff of Utrecht University. The chimpanzee colony was the first to be raised in a zoo, and their monkey behavior was studied closely.
In the book, "Chimpanzee Politics," Frans de Waal details his research on the fascinating colony. But perhaps the most interesting part of Mama's story is the very end.
When Mama was 59 years old, she was deteriorating and getting ready to pass away. She had begun to refuse food and water, and the staff at Royal in Arnhem, Netherlands, were getting increasingly worried about her.
So, Mama's carers decided to get in touch with Professor van Hooff, the elderly chimp's original caretaker. The professor didn't hesitate and jumped at the chance to come and say a final goodbye to his old friend.
When Professor Hooff arrived, Mama was curled up in a ball and unable to lift her head. But when she heard the professor's voice, she temporarily perked up and interacted with him.
One week later, Mama passed away. But she left behind a lasting memory for all who witnessed the heartwarming reunion.
Frans de Waal’s "Chimpanzee Politics," continues to receive praise 25 years after its release. It's regarded as a classic and provides insight into the extraordinary psychology of chimpanzees.
When Mama was 59 years old, she was deteriorating and getting ready to pass away.
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She had begun to refuse food and water, and the staff at Royal in Arnhem, Netherlands, were getting increasingly worried about her.
Did you know facts
When Professor Hooff arrived, Mama was curled up in a ball and unable to lift her head. But when she heard the professor's voice, she temporarily perked up and interacted with him.
One week later, Mama passed away. But she left behind a lasting memory for all who witnessed the heartwarming reunion.
Did you know facts[ADVERTISEMENT]
Frans de Waal’s "Chimpanzee Politics," continues to receive praise 25 years after its release. It's regarded as a classic and provides insight into the extraordinary psychology of chimpanzees.
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What a beautiful and touching story! The emotional depth of animals can be a truly incredible thing to witness.
The notion that animals don't possess emotions, feelings of sadness, or empathy for humans is baffling. And stories like this one only cement that even more.
It's lovely to know that beautiful Mama had humans in her life who cared so deeply for her. And, judging by her reaction to Professor Hooff, it's clear that she also cared deeply for them.
Chimpanzees are extraordinary animals, and we are sure Professor Hooff will cherish the memory of Mama forever. And the rest of the team at the zoo who were lucky enough to care for her will also treasure those memories.
Have you ever experienced an incredible animal reunion like this one? We love to hear from you and would love to hear your stories in the comment section below.
Stephanie
