Suche
Mein Konto
Heartbreaking farewell: Ex-zoo keeper fulfills last zoo wish
A former zookeeper fulfills one last wish and visits her beloved Hanover Zoo despite being ill.
Heartbreaking farewell: Ex-zoo keeper fulfills last zoo wish
A touching event was celebrated at Hanover Zoo on August 11, 2025. Saskia*, a former animal keeper, returned after decades to the place that is of great importance to her. Unfortunately, the animal keeper, who was born in the 1970s, is struggling with serious cancer. But despite the physical pain, the desire to visit the zoo one last time was stronger than the discomfort she feels. The ASB wish car Lower Saxony fulfilled this heartfelt wish and transported her safely to the zoo on a lounger, accompanied by her sister Bärbel, her partner Holger and two ASB volunteers, Steffi and Daniel.
On their way through the zoo, the team mastered the uneven paths skillfully and took regular breaks so that Saskia could take in the different animals and the surroundings in peace. She was continually delighted by the old memories associated with the enclosures. The gorillas and lions were particularly fascinating for the former zookeeper, who was able to observe the changes in the zoo after such a long time. Despite her extreme exhaustion, she felt a deep gratitude for this special day.
A moving reunion
Returning to the zoo was filled with many emotions. Saskia completed her training at the adventure zoo in the 1970s and her time there left a lasting impression. Having cancer makes it difficult for her to cope with her everyday life, which is why she is now cared for in a hospice. Nevertheless, she didn't miss this one day to be back in the familiar surroundings that mean so much to her.
At the end of the visit, the ASB companions gave her a small plush lion as a souvenir of this special day. The warm gesture was also well received by other zoo visitors, who followed the event with delight on Facebook and expressed their gratitude for the valuable work of the ASB. Users described the visit as a truly heartwarming experience that gave them many insights into the meaning of the Wishing Car.
Support for the ASB dream car
The ASB-Wünschewagen Niedersachsen has established itself as an important institution that enables seriously ill people to fulfill their last wishes. Those interested can find out more about donating and ways to support on the Wünschewagen website. Since the guidelines were updated, donation receipts are no longer required for up to 300 euros per year. A simple booking confirmation is enough to prove the valuable contribution to the ASB for charitable work.
Saskia's moving return to the zoo is a powerful example of how small gestures can have a big impact. Their desire to see the Lions and the Gorillas again shows that it is the memories and the connection to the place that provide comfort - even in difficult times.