Icon of Singapore Zoo Dies....

Ah Meng, icon of Singapore Zoo, dies of old age

By Hasnita A Majid,

Channel NewsAsia Posted: 08 February 2008 1828 hrs


SINGAPORE:

Ah Meng, the Sumatran Orang Utan that was considered an icon at the Singapore Zoo, died on Friday. She was 48 years old and had likely died of old age. In 1971, Ah Meng was confiscated from a family which had illegally kept her as a pet. She then found her home at the Singapore Zoo.

Ah Meng was the first to host the zoo's famous 'Breakfast With An Orang Utan' programme.

She soon became a celebrity, both locally and internationally. She had been featured in over 30 travel films and 'interviewed' by more than 300 writers.

In 1992, Ah Meng received a special award from the Singapore Tourism Board in recognition of her contribution towards tourism in Singapore. Ah Meng also contributed to the Singapore Zoo's captive breeding programme. She had five children and became a grandmother in 1990.

The Singapore Zoo will hold a memorial service for Ah Meng on Sunday at 11am.

- CNA/so

NB: I am sure you'll be happy wherever you are Gal! Me being an animal lover, and visitor of the zoo on a yearly basis, will miss looking for this big old mama!