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Zoo Keeper Reunited With Elephant After 35 Years Apart

Emma Rosemurgey

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Zoo Keeper Reunited With Elephant After 35 Years Apart

Featured Image Credit: CEN

A zookeeper from Scotland has been reunited with an elephant he used to look after, 35 years ago.

Peter Adams and Kirsty the elephant came face-to-face once again at Neunkirchen Zoo, three-and-a-half decades after Kirsty left Glasgow.

The emotional reunion was caught on camera as Kirsty instantly recognises her former handler, embracing him with her trunk while he speaks to her.

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Peter was Kirsty's zookeeper at Calderpark Zoo in the 1980s, which closed for business in August 2003 after racking up a debt of more than £3 million.

Though an exact date isn't known, Kirsty is believed to have been born around 1967 and was moved from Glasgow in 1987 to relocate to Chester Zoo, where she met her female companion Judy for the first time.

Peter and Kirsty in the 1980s. Credit: CEN
Peter and Kirsty in the 1980s. Credit: CEN

The two pals were then later moved to Dublin where they lived together from 1994 until 2005 until finally being shipped to Neunkirchen Zoo in Germany.

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Unfortunately, Peter lost track of Kirsty when she left Glasgow and only recently found out that has been living in Germany after scouring the internet for information.

He said: "Of course, I was wondering if there was any truth to the phrase 'elephants never forget'."

Peter tracked Kirsty down in Germany. Credit: CEN
Peter tracked Kirsty down in Germany. Credit: CEN

So, he managed to arrange a reunion with bosses at the zoo and headed off to Germany to see his four-legged friend again.

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A zoo spokesperson said: "Kirsty recognised Peter Adams, who outwardly has changed very much, by his voice."

Another picture shows Peter giving the elephant a warm hug while appearing to get emotional at seeing her again.

Peter tracked Kirsty down in Germany. Credit: CEN
Peter tracked Kirsty down in Germany. Credit: CEN

Peter said: "That she allowed me to get close and accepted me was a very emotional experience for me. I will always keep that memory in my heart."

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At the age of 52, Kirsty is said to still be in good health and enjoying her retirement at the German zoo.

Now Peter knows where she is he plans to visit her as much as possible in the future.

Topics: Life News, Real, Animals

Emma Rosemurgey
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