The gorilla known for her extraordinary mastery of sign language, and as the primary ambassador for her endangered species, has passed away in her sleep at the age of 46.
The Gorilla Foundation has announced that Koko passed away on the morning of June 19.
Known for touching the lives of millions of people, even finding a heartwarming friendship with deceased comedian Robin Williams. Koko mourned the death of Williams in the summer of 2014.
Koko, or Hanabi-ko (meaning Fireworks Child in Japanese), was a western lowland gorilla born on July 4, 1971 at the San Francisco Zoo. Dr. Francine “Penny” Patterson began working with Koko the next year, famously teaching her sign language.
“Koko’s capacity for language and empathy has opened the minds and hearts of millions,” said the Gorilla Foundation. “Her impact has been profound and what she has taught us about the emotional capacity of gorillas and their cognitive abilities will continue to shape the world.”
Koko the gorilla, pictured here on the October 1978 cover of National Geographic, has died at 46. pic.twitter.com/DlHANqVYlE
— National Geographic (@NatGeoMag) June 21, 2018
She has been featured in multiple documentaries and appeared on the cover of National Geographic twice. The first cover, in October of 1978, featured a photograph Koko had taken of herself in a mirror. The second issue, in January of 1985, included the story of Koko and her kitten, All Ball. Following the article, the book Koko’s Kitten was published and continues to be used in elementary schools worldwide.
Koko will be watching PBS tonight! pic.twitter.com/3jWxVUeuk3
— Gorilla Foundation (@kokotweets) August 3, 2016
Koko wanted a birthday party celebration with her family, which included her cats! pic.twitter.com/r4XFa2gcNy
— Gorilla Foundation (@kokotweets) July 8, 2016
The foundation says that they will continue to honour her legacy and advance their mission with ongoing projects, including conservation efforts in Africa, the great ape sanctuary on Maui, and a sign language application featuring Koko for the benefit of both gorillas and children.
