Koko The Sign Language Gorilla Has Died
Koko, the Gorilla who learned sign language has died at the age of 46. According to CNN, The Gorilla Foundation released a statement: “Koko touched the lives of millions as…
BRISTOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: (EDITORS NOTE: EMBARGOED UNTIL 0001 THURSDAY AUGUST 11, 2016) An adult gorilla looks out from ‘Gorilla Island’ that is shared with Afia the newest baby gorilla at Bristol Zoo on August 10, 2016 in Bristol, England. Afia, the hand reared Western lowland gorilla who was born at the zoo by emergency C-section on February 12 is taken out onto the island daily to help build her confidence and awareness of what will eventually become her new home. Although Afia’s mother Kera, still isn’t aware that Afia is hers it is hoped that the young gorilla who is enjoying a varied diet of sweet potato, leafy lettuce and pellets, will continue to get to know her family under the watchful eyes of her dedicated keepers. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
Matt Cardy/Getty ImagesKoko, the Gorilla who learned sign language has died at the age of 46.
According to CNN, The Gorilla Foundation released a statement:
"Koko touched the lives of millions as an ambassador for all gorillas and an icon for interspecies communication and empathy... She was beloved and will be deeply missed."
Koko was born at the San Francisco Zoo in 1971 and then was moved to Stanford to work with The Gorilla Foundation. Then she was moved to the Santa Cruz Mountains. She was a kind beast, according to CNN, who enjoyed books and had several kittens throughout her lifetime. Not only did she have a picture book after her, and has even had her paintings exhibited!
We don't know if we'll see another Gorilla quite like her.
