Sad News: The Legendary Signing Gorilla Koko Has Passed Away
Koko – the western lowland gorilla who charmed the world with her American Sign Language skills – slipped peacefully into her final sleep on June 22, 2018, at the age of 46. The Gorilla Foundation announced her death with heartfelt gratitude for the life she lived.
A Giant with a Gentle Touch
While many primates have been able to communicate using signs, Koko stands out as a beacon of interspecies empathy. Some skeptics questioned her linguistic abilities, but whether she counted or merely posted “I love drinks,” she sparked humanity’s curiosity and compassion for her species.
Key Milestones (in a quick snapshot)
- Birth – 4 July 1971, San Francisco Zoo (original name: Hanabi‑ko, meaning “Fireworks Child” in Japanese).
- Training start – 1972, Dr. Penny Patterson began teaching her over 200 signs.
- Magazine fame – two National Geographic covers, including a 1978 mirror selfie.
- Internet pioneer – 1998, her first “interspecies chat” where she said “I like drinks.”
- Legacy – books, videos, and a community of fans who taught herself sign language.
Fans Remember Koko
Jess Cameron, a longtime admirer, posted on the foundation’s page: “Legit bawling like a baby right now. This news just breaks my heart. Koko helped me learn love, kindness, respect for animals, and our planet.”
Why Her Story Matters
Beyond her quirky signs, Koko dared humanity to look at a big, dark‑eyed animal and think: we share a language. She showed that emotions can cross species boundaries, reminding us that even in the face of cutting timber and poaching, we can find hope.
Remembering the Sign‑Language Superhero
As the old gorilla lounges forever, her gentle hands and flashing smiles live on in countless memories, playlists, and slices of National Geographic. If you ever feel in the mood for a “I love you” in signs, just picture Koko’s proud grin in the mirror.
