Dear Friend,

When Koko passed away earlier this year, it wasn't just me and the staff who were grieving her loss. So was Ndume, Koko's companion for the last 27 years.

Now, as we all try to move forward without Koko, we are continuing to provide Ndume (below left) with the safety, security and enrichment he's been used to, including seeking new gorilla companionship for him.

Ndume enjoying sanctuary life

Conservation and Care of Great Apes through Interspecies Communication ...

I am personally dedicated to this mission, as it's the best way I can think of to realize the full potential of Koko's legacy.

As a supporter, you know that The Gorilla Foundation is the only organization in the world to conduct long-term interspecies communciation research with gorillas, and that we have learned how to integrate it into their daily lives as a form of 2-way enrichment, personal growth, and personalized care.

Plus, we have 45 years of multimedia data to share, analyze and extend, with experienced researchers ready to teach others how to reap the mutual benefits of 2-way communication with captive gorillas.

Here's where we need your help: Our commitment to Koko's Legacy is now focused on the following 4 key programs: Research, Education, Sanctuary and Conservation (RESC) each of which are detailed below. Your year-end gift will help us achieve these important goals in the coming year and beyond.

<              Koko signs "smile"	RESEARCH: We have pioneered interspecies communication for over 45 years, generated volumes of unique multimedia research data, and published some key scientific papers. Now in partnership with a major university, we are creating the “Project Koko Archive” as a way to preserve the data in perpetuity and share it with others. There's so much more to do!ence.
	EDUCATION: Building on the publications, documentaries and curricula we have produced over the years that teach individuals about gorilla cognition and conservation, we've added 2 new Initiatives: 1) a new book, A Wish for Koko, written and illustrated by an award-winning children's author in honor of Koko's life and legacy, and 2) the Koko App which will enable Koko to be a sign-language teacher and gorilla ambassador resident on your cell phone. We have prototypes of both and need only your support to bring them to fruition!worldwide.
Michael recalls his mother	SANCTUARY: We established a 7-acre sanctuary for gorillas Koko, Michael and Ndume in Woodside, California, designed and laid the foundations and infrastructure for a 70-acre sanctuary on Maui, Hawaii, and supported the development of a gorilla sanctuary in Africa. Now, as we seek to expand our Woodside Sanctuary to house a gorilla family, we need your support not only to provide the best care for Ndume but also to complete a design that is optimal for future gorillas (see sketch below).ecies.
	CONSERVATION We've distributed tens of thousands of Koko's Kitten books, and some limited edition pre-prints of Michael's Dream in Cameroon and DRC, Africa. These materials provide critical support for "compassionate conservation" and inform curricula designed with the help of local African teachers. Now, we would like to bolster our African projects by adding a "conservation module" to the Koko App to help us measure the impact that multimedia transmission of interspecies communication can have on saving gorillas.

Expanded Woodside Sanctuary Design for Small Gorilla Group or Family

Now more than ever, your financial support will make a difference in realizing Koko's Legacy!  It will allow us to build a bridge to the future that ensures the continuation of conversations with our fellow great apes – vital to interspecies harmony!

Thank you for remembering Koko and helping us continue her legacy of interspecies love and understanding. Your gift will lead to the acknowledgment of the personhood of gorillas, and provide the safeguards necessary for their well-being and survival as a species!

With Koko-love,

Dr. Penny Patterson, Ph.D. President and Director of Research The Gorilla Foundation / Koko.org

PS: If you've already made your tax-deductible year-end gift, either online or via direct mail, thank you in advance for your generous support!