I started signing with Koko when she was just a baby, using a combination of molding and modeling techniques.  Koko was using her own gestures from the outset and quickly learned the signs I showed her.  In this video,  Koko learns the sign for “train” and uses it to direct her playtime …

From being shown the sign by me initially, to her using it independently to direct her playtime, we see in the above video how everyday situations were opportunities for learning — and exercising personal choices.It’s interesting that Koko’s development of language abilities mirrors the way human children learn, not only in the way they learn, but also in the stages of development.  Koko learned the greatest number of new signs between ages 3 and 4 — much like human children.

As I watch the above video I’m reminded how much fun it was to live and work and play with Koko, and what a huge impact she’s had on so many people’s lives — especially my own.

Now it’s time for me to share these memories and lessons, with as many people as possible, so that we can make the world more friendly toward gorillas and other great apes, just as Koko extended her friendship and warmth to our species!

Wishing you Koko-Love,

Dr. Penny Patterson
President, CEO and Founder
The Gorilla Foundation / Koko.org

Conservation through Communication

The Gorilla Foundation     PO Box 620530,  Woodside, CA  94062
1-800-ME-GO-APE     [email protected]
The Gorilla Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Federal Tax ID: 942-38-6151