WATCH: Dying chimpanzee recognizes old human friend in heart-melting video

A touching video is going rounds on the social media that shows a dying chimpanzee giving the final farewell to her old human friend who cared for her.

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.

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.

The video was filmed in April 2016.

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

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

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