Ah Meng, who became the first and only non-human recipient of the Singapore Tourism Promotion Board's Special Ambassador award, has passed away in the city-state's zoo, the Zoo authorities said in a statement. She was 48.Ah Meng was born in Sumatra in 1960 and came to the Singapore Zoo when she was about seven years old after being rescued from a Chinese family who kept her as an illegal pet.
She rose to fame quickly and visiting dignitaries queued to be photographed with her, among them Prince Philip, the actresses Elizabeth Taylor and Bo Derek, and Bjorn Borg, the famous tennis star.
She was 'interviewed' by 300 writers.Singapore Zoo is to hold a public memorial service for Ah Meng. The zoo also announced that the next orangutan born there will be named Ah Meng Junior in her honour.
Singapore President SR Nathan has condoled her death.
'A lot of people, both local and foreigners, have enjoyed her company. I'm sure the patrons of the zoo will miss her,' he was quoted by 'The Straits Times' as saying.
Fanny Lai, Group Chief Executive Officer of Wildlife Reserves Singapore, added: 'She has touched the hearts of everyone who has met her and contributed immensely in helping promote awareness of how each and everyone of us can play a role in anti-poaching, anti-deforestation and conservation matters. We will miss her dearly.'
Ah Meng died on Friday. She is survived by her partner Charlie, two sons, two daughters and six grandchildren.
 The world's most famous orangutan, who rubbed shoulders with Prince Philip, Elizabeth Tay...){kind=link}
Post a Comment