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.

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, 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...

RESEARCH: We've pioneered interspecies communication for over 45 years. Now in partnership with a major university, we are creating the “Project Koko Archive” as a way to preserve this unique multimedia data in perpetuity and share it with others. There's so much more to do!
EDUCATION: Building on the many publications and documentaries we've produced over the years, we're adding 2 major new Initiatives: i) the Koko App which will enable Koko to be a sign-language teacher and gorilla ambassador on your cell phone, and ii) A Wish for Koko, a new children's book by an award-winning author, as a tribute to and reminder of Koko's life and legacy.
SANCTUARY: We established a 7-acre sanctuary for Koko and friends in Woodside, California, designed and built the infrastructure for a 70-acre sanctuary on Maui, and supported a gorilla sanctuary in Africa. Now, our top priority is to ensure the best care for Ndume, including gorilla companionship, here at our Woodside Sanctuary.
Expanded Woodside Sanctuary Design for Gorilla Family
CONSERVATION We've distributed tens of thousands of Koko's Kitten books in Cameroon, Africa. These materials provide critical support for compassionate conservation and inform curricula designed by local African teachers. Now, we would like to add a multimedia conservation module to the Koko App and measure its impact on interspecies empathy in Africa.

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.

Thank you for remembering Koko and helping us continue her legacy of interspecies empathy and understanding. The world needs Koko's love, and with your support of the above programs, together we can deliver it!

With Koko-love,

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