Singapore's grandmama of orangutan has passed away as the Year of the Rat descends upon us.
Living to a ripe old age of 96 human years, the local Zoo's mascot died of old age and was given a grand memorial complete with commemorative books and merchandise which the public swooped up while paying their last respects to her.
It was a touching sight to see her lying motionless but peacefully in a satin white coffin while lotsa human visitors surround her with tears rolling down their cheeks. Apparently a few were quite inconsolable. I think I would be tearing like mad if I was there.
Even though I onli saw Ah Meng like less than 5 times in my over 20 years of age, she was a regular on the papers, Zoo and even school textbooks! It's hard to imagine that she is gone.
I totally cant fathom how her zookeeper would feel. It must have been very hard. I was choking back tears when I saw the distraught look of her long-time zookeeper/supervisor and the reaction displayed by Ah Meng's children and grandchildren.
Very heartbreaking.
Dear Ah Meng,
Although you are gone
You will always be in the heart of every Singaporean and tourist who visited the local Zoo
You have touched the hearts of many and will be fondly remembered
RIP.
