– Specially written by AWS volunteer, Chan Kong Hoe
Mr Aziz was my 22nd wish assignment and the first beneficiary I encountered who was deeply misunderstood by many. Born in 1961 with learning challenges and a history of epileptic seizures, Mr Aziz never had the opportunity to attend school or form many social connections.
Everyday experiences that most of us take for granted like gathering with friends, going on school trips, or simply enjoying a structured routine; were absent from his life.
As if life had not already been challenging enough for him, Mr Aziz was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in August 2024 with unfavourable prognosis.
Despite his challenging health condition, he had one simple wish: to visit the Singapore Zoo for the very first time.
Mr Aziz poses in front of the iconic polar bear
A Profound Lesson in Joy
Our first interaction with Mr Aziz on 1 December was an eye-opener for the AWS wish team (Leo, Azimah, and myself). Initially, we were unsure about how well we could communicate with him. However, Mr Aziz quickly proved us wrong. His excitement was infectious, and despite his challenges with spoken language, he animatedly shared his love of animals, his abstract art sketches, and his admiration for Captain America. This revelation was a delightful surprise even to his brother, Daiyan, and sister-in-law, Rita. Seeing his enthusiasm, we immediately set plans in motion to make his dream of visiting the zoo a reality. Wish day was set for 21 January, 2025.
Mr Aziz’s family playfully poses in front of the elephant statue
Mr Aziz’s first encounter with feeding a giraffe
Custom Gifts and Health Improvement
To build anticipation for his big day, we visited Mr Aziz again on December 19, 2024. We were happy to see significant improvements in his health. He was now able to walk unassisted, and his epilepsy had been under control, a remarkable change from the frequent weekly seizures he previously endured.
As part of the preparations, we gifted him a special outfit for his zoo trip: a red Discovery Channel t-shirt and a green ranger hat, both in his favorite colors. Additionally, we surprised him with a Christmas gift of a Captain America figurine and an AI-generated image of himself dressed as Captain Aziz. His joy was boundless, and he couldn’t resist striking his idol’s iconic pose, his face beaming with excitement.
Mr Aziz reimagined as his favourite Marvel character, “Captain Aziz”
Exclusive Zoo Adventure Tour at Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Wish day finally arrived on a cool and beautiful morning, 21 January, 2025. Mr Aziz and his family were up bright and early, eagerly awaiting their first-ever family outing with him to the zoo. To make the experience even more special, we arranged for an exclusive zoo adventure tour, ensuring he would have up-close encounters with the animals he loved.
Our guide, Safwanah, welcomed the family warmly at the entrance before whisking us away on a buggy tour through the zoo. We made stops at the tiger, orangutan, rhinoceros, pig (who knew there were so many different kinds?), leopard, and reptile enclosures. One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity for the family to feed the giraffes and interact with the giant tortoise. Throughout the tour, Safwanah engaged the family in both English and Malay, making the experience even more immersive and enjoyable for everyone.
After an exhilarating morning, we treated the family to a hearty lunch at the Ah Meng Restaurant. As they savored their meal, they reminisced about their younger days with Mr Aziz, sharing fond memories that added warmth to the already special day. Energized after lunch, we continued exploring the zoo, visiting the penguin, lemur, and monkey enclosures. Mr Aziz was in his element, his eyes sparkled with wonder as he observed the animals, mimicked their calls, and excitedly pointed out hidden creatures to the children around him. His enthusiasm was contagious, drawing smiles from everyone who crossed his path.
Watching Mr Aziz experience pure joy and childlike wonder throughout the day was incredibly rewarding. This journey with him was not just about fulfilling a wish. It was a profound lesson for us to reappraise the world through Mr Aziz’s eyes. A world where every every moment holds beauty and kindness bridges divides. He showed us that joy exists in life’s simplest experiences if we choose to see it.
Generous Support from Our Partners
We extend our gratitude to Mandai Wildlife Reserve for their incredible support in making Mr Aziz’s first-ever zoo visit an unforgettable experience, not just for him but for his family and all of us who had the privilege of being part of his wish journey.
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Mr Aziz’s wish was a profound celebration of pure joy, curiosity, and the simple wonder of visiting the Singapore Zoo. Would you like to help grant the next meaningful wish?
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