Koko, the western lowland gorilla who peacefully passed away in her sleep at the age of 46, left an indelible mark on the world, becoming an icon for animal empathy and communication. Twice gracing the cover of National Geographic magazine, Koko’s life was a testament to the extraordinary depth of emotions and intelligence present in the animal kingdom.
Known for her extensive vocabulary of over 1,000 signs and an understanding of 2,000 spoken English words, Koko became a global sensation and a symbol of the critically endangered western lowland gorilla species. The Gorilla Foundation, where Koko spent a significant part of her life, highlighted her ability to reason about the world, showcasing the intellectual capabilities shared by all great apes.
National Geographic featured Koko on its cover twice, first in October 1978, capturing a moment of self-reflection as she gazed into a mirror—an early instance of an animal selfie. Her second appearance on the cover in January 1985 depicted the heartwarming story of Koko and her pet kitten, further solidifying her status as a captivating ambassador for her species.
Barbara King, a professor emerita of anthropology, emphasizes that Koko’s legacy goes beyond her linguistic achievements. She states, “Koko could show us what all great apes are capable of: reasoning about their world, and loving and grieving the other beings to whom they become attached.”
However, King also urges reflection on the costs of scientific curiosity, noting that Koko spent her life in unnatural confinement. Born on July 4, 1971, Koko, originally named Hanabi-ko, began her journey at the San Francisco Zoo. Researcher Francine Patterson initiated her language education in 1972, a groundbreaking approach that highlighted the linguistic prowess of great apes.
Koko’s playful mischievousness and a sense of humor endeared her to those who interacted with her. In a 1985 interview with Cynthia Gorney, a contributing writer for National Geographic, Koko displayed her wit by referring to Gorney as a toilet, later signaling a humorous farewell, “Comfortable hole bye,” when asked about gorillas’ afterlife.
Beyond the magazine covers, Koko participated in documentaries and shared a heartwarming moment with actor Robin Williams in a 2001 video. The Gorilla Foundation pledges to honor Koko’s legacy by continuing its mission of studying sign language in great apes and supporting conservation projects in Africa and beyond.
As we bid farewell to this extraordinary gorilla, we celebrate not only her linguistic accomplishments but also the awareness she raised about the intricate emotional lives of animals. Koko’s story is a poignant reminder of the need to balance scientific curiosity with ethical considerations, ensuring the well-being of our fellow sentient beings.
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