Ah Meng, female, aged 48, Sumatran orangutan, icon of Singapore Zoo
Our beloved Ah Meng passed away peacefully on 8 Feb 2008, 11.20am. Today, she is laid to rest in the Zoo in Garden with a View, overlooking the best scenery in the Zoo. A perfect final resting place.
I reached the Zoo at 8.50am. Soon the orangutan keepers came in the buggy with Ah Meng in the white coffin. Her coffin is decorated with leaves, ferns and flowers, the natural style. Her familiar keepers were her pall bearers. The staff and ex-staff lined up to pay their last respect to the grand dame. I was red-eyed from the sobbing earlier.
Finally it was my turn to see her one last time. I reached out to touch her hand. She's cold from the freezer. Ah Meng looked so peaceful. She seems to be sleeping and dreaming about something sweet. Sam, her keeper for 37 years said, "Maggie, Ah Meng is dead." Sam was stating the obvious, probably to try sink in the truth that Ah Meng is truely gone. I reached out to Sam's hand to comfort him. I only managed, "Take care, Sam." and I turned into a crybaby all over again.
Memories of Ah Meng began to flood my mind. I see the throngs of people coming to pay their respect to Ah Meng, some holding flowers, some holding back their tears. She is indeed loved. I'm sure if she understood, she would be pleased and proud of herself.
Fanny made a speech. Finally I see a softer side of her. Fanny was obviously controlling her tears when she delivered the speech. Then Sam too. Sam was brave. He fought back his tears throughout his speech only breaking down at his last words, "Ah Meng, goodbye." No one else wanted to make a speech as those who knew her well are afraid that they might break down at the mere mention of her name, me included. A reporter had want to interview me but I refused. Call me selfish, but my memories of Ah Meng belongs to me and only me. No one can ever understand the Ah Meng in my memories just like I cannot experience Ah Meng like Sam has. Each of our own memories are unique to ourselves.
It was finally the time to cover the coffin. Ah Meng's beloved keepers rounded the coffin, saying their final goodbyes. One of the keepers hugged Ah Meng and cried. His colleagues had to support him. Sam was their standing strong as their chief. Ah Meng's grave was laid with flowers. Friends of Ah Meng began to lay their flowers on her coffin and bid farewell to her.
Ah Meng has indeed led a full life. She has been a successful mother, grandmother and a career woman. She has lent her name and face to help the tourism of Singapore. She has left a mark in history of Singapore tourism industry.
Today we are not to grieve for our loss of such a wonderful companion, but to celebrate her full life. She has great accomplishments and led a fulfuilling life. Although it's farewell, she will live as fresh memory in the hearts of those who love her.
Farewell Ah Meng, thank you for the wonderful memories that you have given me...
