Dear Friend,

A few years ago, Richard Stone, the UK's pre-eminent royal portrait painter, decided to paint Koko, and donate the proceeds to The Gorilla Foundation's mission.  We have been waiting for the right moment to "unveil" this magnificent work of art, and make it available to someone who has both the wherewithal and a strong interest in both valuable paintings and the survival of our closest living species.

We invite you, as one of our treasured supporters, to view the painting, meet the artist, Richard Stone, and learn about the genesis and motivation for the painting through both the following video and a comprehensive article by journalist Elizabeth Sobieski (see below).

Interview with the Artist and Subject (Watch the Video)

As you can see, Koko loved being painted by Richard, and the feeling was mutual. thing. As Richard says, it was the most memorable projects of his life, and the one people ask about most (even more than the Queen, Nelson Mandela or Bishop Tutu).

If you or someone you know have an interest in owning this unique painting, and possibly sharing it with a prestigious art museum like the Smithsonian, the National Gallery, or the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (on seasonal display) then please contact us:

Once the original painting has been acquired (for a bid of at least $1M), Richard has agreed to produce a limited edition print of the painting (for approximately $500 each) to the first 1000 donors. Moreover, anyone who is able to refer The Gorilla Foundation to a primary donor for the original painting will receive one of the prints as a thank you.

How will the sale of Koko's portrait help The Gorilla Foundation, and gorillas ...

In the

I am so grateful to Richard Stone for painting Koko in such a way that she (and her power to change the world) will never be forgotten, and for donating the anticipated proceeds to the realization of Koko's Legacy (and Koko-Love).   Please match his generosity with your own, if you are able, or help us find someone who is (and help them find Koko).

Sincerely,

Dr. Penny Patterson
President, CEO and Director of Research
The Gorilla Foundation / koko.org

Read the Full Article by Elizabeth Sobieski on Koko's Portrait