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Dear Friend,
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Penny's Perspective |
Have you ever wondered just exactly what we've learned through our two-way communication with gorillas? As we approach the 40th
anniversary of Project Koko, I've been reflecting on that very question. I wanted to share with you some of the amazing insights we've gained through "talking with the animals."
We've learned an incredible amount about gorillas, of course — much more than we could ever have gleaned just though observation. Through our in-depth studies of the various ways gorillas have communicated with us (natural gestures, vocalizations, sign language, art), we've gained a much deeper understanding of the nature and development of language.
What stands out for me the most is the overall realization that gorillas have the qualities and needs of personhood too. Now that we understand this, humanity needs to consider how to act on that knowledge. See the video (above) for an overview of my thoughts on this important issue.
Your support continues to be crucial to our ongoing success. I'd love to share some of the discoveries and progress you helped us make in 2011, and to tell you about our plans for 2012. |
UPDATES ON CONSERVATION THROUGH COMMUNICATION
| RESEARCH: Gorillas Express Empathy, Invent Iconic Gestures and Vocalize Creatively |
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We are making some fascinating new discoveries about gorilla communication and cognition. In particular, Koko appears to be capable of empathizing with humans in very complex ways, of spontaneously inventing "iconic" gestures (gestures that look or sound like what they mean), and of using a repertoire of creative vocalizations. These observations transcend previous limiting ideas about our fellow great apes, can help us better understand human language development, and can increase human empathy for conservation. Learn more |
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| EDUCATION: The Internet Helps Us Bring Interspecies Communication to the Public |
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Our efforts to create a more direct connection with Koko and enable others to experience "talking with the animals" through technology are producing results. For example, Koko was recently profiled in a cover story in the SundayTelegraph; the Gorilla Foundation was selected as one of the expert sources featured on the Discovery Channel's new Curiosity.com website; and Koko's social media network is growing rapidly every day, empowering new enthusiasts to help Ambassador Koko save her species — while informing ours. Learn more |
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| CONSERVATION: Koko & MIchael Stories and Lessons Inspire Conservation in Africa |
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In 2011 we were able to make significant on-the-ground progress in Cameroon, Africa, for gorilla conservation. Thanks to your support we were able to help Cameroonian scientist Denis Ndeloh complete a field study that exposes factors crucial to the conservation of the highly endangered Cross-River Gorilla. We are also now able to participate in a Cameroon-wide conservation curriculum, employing the upcoming book Michael's Dream, based upon the unique account of bushmeat poaching told by the late signing gorilla, Michael Learn more |
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Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to make significant progress in all of the above mission areas. But there's much more to do. With our upcoming projects, interspecies communication can have an even greater impact. This is a family matter! We have an obligation to future generations to save one of the world's most endangered and endearing species, while helping our own species become more humane.
Thank you for your continued support!
 
Penny & Koko
PS: I would like to thank our dedicated team of gorilla caregivers and researchers for making interspecies communication with gorillas both possible and enjoyable for both species. And I would like to thank you, our supporters, for enabling them to perform at their highest level, and produce results that are having a positive impact on great ape research, education, conservation and care, worldwide. |
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| The Gorilla Foundation / info@koko.org / 1-800-ME-GO-APE / PO Box 620530, Woodside, CA 94062 |
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