The passing of a matriach.

Picture taken from:
http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest2BNews/Singapore/STIStory_204484.html?vgnmr=1

In memory of the late Ah Meng:

Ah Meng, the icon of the Singapore Zoo, passed away on friday, 8th of February. She was age 48. This is a small entry in rememberance of her legacy. I can recall how when i was young, i was already familiar with the name Ah Meng and as i grew up, i became aware of the Singapore Zoo's breakfast with Ah Meng programme. Subsequently, when i joined the Zoo at the end of 2006, i had to memorise scripts that included one for the orang utan token feeding. In the script, it was mentioned that she was the icon of the Singapore Zoo and i can clearly recall how i would smile and impress visitors as i narrated how it was a fact that she was "a proud mother of 5 children, 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and on top of that 2 foster children as well". I even got the chance to catch a glimpse of her on several occasions as she took her morning walk around the zoo with Sam, her keeper. Sadly though, all good things will come to an end and with life, there would always be death. The same goes for Ah Meng. Her time on earth may be up but i am sure that before that, she had lived life to it's fullest potential. She did not have to fear being poached or her baby taken away from her but instead, got to enjoy the best kind of care available to her as well as an abundance of all her favourite food. Now with her passing, i'm sure that there is a void left behind. The Zoo's icon is gone and perhaps it's time to find a replacement. The face on the cover of the Zoo map is no longer around so it may be time to print another picture. Whatever it is, i am sure that Ah Meng's legacy will still live on in the hearts of many. She will always be remembered as the friendly Orang Utan whom we have known since young and has grown up with us over the years. Rest in peace Ah Meng=).