Remembering Koko, the famous communicating gorilla

[mellowyellow]

Koko who died in 2018 at the age of 46, was famous for communicating in sign language with her handlers.
Koko the gorilla via Instagram | Koko-Gorilla Foundation via Instagram

When she was given a lifelike stuffed animal, she was less than satisfied and continued to sign "sad". So on her birthday in July 1984, she was able to choose a kitten from a litter of abandoned kittens. Koko selected a grey male Manx and named him "All Ball". Tragically, All Ball wandered off the grounds after only a few months, and was hit by a car and killed.

 

[Aunt Marg]

I recall watching a video on Koko, after the loss of her beloved kitten, and seeing her signing with her handler. Very sad.

Such a deep story behind her and one that makes me often question just how intelligent many animals are.