Dear Friend,

In the above video, filmed in 1988 (when Koko was 17 years old), Koko and I look through the classic book, Koko's Kitten (published in 1985) and she responds to various words, pictures and memories, by signing to me — sometimes emotionally (and creatively) combining multiple signs into one, like “Gorilla-Animal” and “Book-Hurry."

After a while, Koko takes the book from me to read in her hammock, feeling the need for some privacy. Later she returns to explore and relive the story together in more depth. We grieve together for the loss of her kitten All Ball (aka "Ball"), comfort each other, and eventually focus on her latest kitten (who's also shown in the book), Lips Lipstick, who happens to be waiting indoors to play with Koko. This prompts Koko to sign "take-off' before she does just that, taking my notebook with her.

Koko experienced a wide range of emotions throughout her life, and always had a very good memory. She took comfort from her close social relationships, including her cats.

And I take comfort now, remembering the many precious moments we shared together, communicating some of our deepest thoughts and feelings.

As we continue to digitize and analyze the 5-decade research archive we are calling KokoArc, more and more insights are emerging, and a comprehensive database is being established for others to build upon.

Sincere thanks for joining us as we explore the world of interspecies communication, and the many ways it can be used to improve the lives of gorillas in captivity, and engender empathy for gorillas who are currently endangered in the wild.

Please share these videos and ideas with your friends — the more people who know about Koko's legacy, the more good it can do.

With Koko-Love,

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