Chimpanzees exhibit self-awareness, recognizing their place within a social group, and they appear to possess an awareness of their own mortality.
At the Royal Burgers’ Zoo in Arnhem, Netherlands, a chimpanzee named Mama, aged 59, was nearing the end of her life. The Daily Mail reports that Mama had been rejecting food and water from the zookeepers and had become immobile, leading the keepers to anticipate her imminent passing.
In a final attempt, they reached out to one of her former caregivers, Professor Van Hooff. Without hesitation, he made his way to the zoo. Guided to Mama’s enclosure, he initially found her motionless. However, as soon as Professor Van Hooff began to speak, Mama exhibited signs of awakening.
Mama recognized her friend’s voice and responded with vocalizations. Despite the absence of teeth, she managed to convey numerous warm smiles. While she couldn’t fully rise, she extended a long, slender arm in an embrace, patting her friend’s back, shoulder, and hair.
As Professor Van Hooff conversed with her, he stroked her arm and gently patted her head. Their exchange continued through vocalizations, akin to a conversation. Remarkably, he even succeeded in coaxing Mama to take a small bite of food, a feat the zookeepers had struggled to achieve.
This heartwarming interaction moved Professor Van Hooff and the zookeepers to tears. It serves as a poignant illustration of chimpanzees’ capacity for love, friendship, and loyalty toward those who have shown them kindness. Despite the years apart, Mama remembered her friend. Tragically, Mama passed away just a week after the visit from Professor Van Hooff
