A Scottish zookeeper has been reunited with an elephant he used to look after, for the first time in 35 years.
Peter Adams and Kirsty were brought back together at Neunkirchen Zoo, more than three decades after the highly intelligent animal left Glasgow.
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In footage of the emotional reunion, Kirsty instantly recognises her former handler, embracing him with her trunk as he talks to her.
Peter was Kirsty's zookeeper at Calderpark Zoo in the 1980s, which eventually closed in August 2003 after amassing debt of over £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.
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.
However, 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.
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He said: "Of course, I was wondering if there was any truth to the phrase 'elephants never forget'."
Peter managed to arrange a reunion with bosses at Neunkirchen Zoo and headed off to Germany to finally see Kirsty again.
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.
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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."
At the age of 52, Kirsty is said to still be in good health and enjoying her retirement at the German zoo.
And now Peter knows where she is he plans to visit her as much as possible in the future.
Featured Image Credit: CENTopics: World News, Interesting, Animals