Ah Meng, Singapore’s beloved Sumatran orang-utan, died of old age on the morning of February 8, 2008. She was 48; the rough equivalent of 95 human years.

Her death brought forth an outpouring of grief from man and animal. Close to 4000 people from all walks of life came to Singapore Zoo to pay their last respects, while orang-utans in her enclosure fell silent and rejected their meals.

Remembered for her approachable nature, Ah Meng was the face of Singapore Zoo for many years. She was featured in more than 30 travel films, 300 articles and also played host to the zoo’s popular ‘Breakfast with Ah Meng’ programme.

An icon of Singapore history, she became the first and only non-human recipient of the Special Tourism Ambassador award in 1992. Throughout her lifetime, she had been visited by numerous dignitaries including Prince Phillip and world-renowned celebrities like Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor.

Ah Meng is survived by two sons, Hsing Hsing and Satria; three daughters, Medan, Hong Bao, and Sayang; as well as six grandchildren.