Beautiful moment dying chimp, 59, recognises man who use to care for her

This is the magical moment a dying chimpanzee recognises her old friend and gives him an emotional farewell.

Mama, the 59-year-old former matriarch at Royal Burgers Zoo in the Netherlands, was curled up in a ball and refusing food until the arrival of Professor Jan van Hooff, who she had known since 1972.

At first she did not realise that her old friend had come to see her and remained on the floor as he stroked her. Photo / Jan van Hoolf

The terminally ill chimp, who was fast approaching the end of her life, can be seen reacting with pure joy when she realises who has come to see her.

Screeching with pleasure and smiling in delight, Mama can be seen stretching out her hand and stroking Professor van Hooff's head in greeting.

But the terminally ill chimp, who was fast approaching the end of her life, can be seen reacting with pure joy when she realises who has come to see her. Photo / Jan van Hoolf

Initially she had not recognised him and persisted in her unresponsive behaviour, the MailOnline reported.

Earlier in the video she can be seen refusing food and water as she lies in a weak state among hay.

But her bond with Professor van Hooff - who co-founded her chimp colony at the Arnhem zoo - was deep enough to shake her from her gloom.

Her bond with Professor van Hooff - who co-founded her chimp colony at the Arnhem zoo - was deep enough to shake her from her gloom. Pictured: Mama celebrating her 50th birthday in 2007. Photo / Getty

The video was filmed in April 2016.

Mama died just a week after giving her old friend a heartfelt farewell.