Ndume (Koko's male companion) is not a fan of the rain, he hates getting his hands and feet wet, he would fly if he could! Here Ndume is walking bipedally to avoid getting wet. Interestingly, Ndume sometimes walks, or even runs, backwards Read more
Ndume (Koko's male companion) is not a fan of the rain, he hates getting his hands and feet wet, he would fly if he could! Here Ndume is walking bipedally to avoid getting wet. Interestingly, Ndume sometimes walks, or even runs, backwards Read more
Koko's kittens, Ms. Gray and Ms. Black, who appeared first in the video "Meet Koko's New Kittens," are growing into cats. Koko enjoys engaging with them as they grow, and as their personalities and relationships — with each other and with Koko — begin to change. In this video, Koko begins to Read more
UPDATE Sep. 22, 2017: Pope Francis has similar views to Koko about Man's responsibility for climate change. (HuffPost article) Koko was invited to represent the “Voice of Nature” at the COP21 Climate Conference in Paris, Dec. 1–11, 2015, by NOE Conservation, a non-profit organization Read more
Koko got her birthday wish this July 4th (2015) — not only did one kitten come to visit, but a whole litter. Koko fell in love with one, and the other fell in love with her. Koko has adopted these two kittens into her family, and it has energized her Read more
Koko's silverback companion, Ndume, celebrated his 34th birthday on Oct. 10, 2015, and everyone at the Gorilla Foundation (including Koko and her two kittens) joined in to make it a memorable day. Ndume got to enjoy some of his favorite foods, open presents from caregivers and Gorilla Foundation members, and play in Read more
During Koko's birthday celebrations, Ndume always gets a special day as well. For example, on July 4, 2015 (Koko's Birthday) , Ndume's room and yard were decorated with a special theme: the underwater world, with an emphasis on sharks. In this video Ndume is opening a shark pinata filled with one of his favorite Read more
Koko watches a movie that she's seen many times before, called "Tea with Mussolini." When it gets to the "sad" part (the boy is getting on a train and leaving his mother), Koko turns away. Then she begins signing "Frown", "Sad", "Trouble", "Mother" and she Read more
As Koko's 43rd birthday approaches (July 4, 2014), here's a glimpse of how she celebrated her 42nd birthday (2013). We'll do our best to top it, by listening carefully to what she asks for, while paying attention to her current needs. Join us in remembering last year's party, as we prepare for another. You can Read more
In this short video clip, Ndume uses a barrel to reach an enrichment item — a puzzle containing food. Enrichment is an important part of a gorilla's day, and of the Foundation's gorilla care and wellness program, for both Koko and Ndume. You can read more about our multifaceted approach to care and wellness — Read more
Ndume (Koko's male companion) enjoys taking afternoon naps in the sun in a nest of blankets. When he's not napping and feels particularly happy, he often plays with his blankets and other enrichment items. In this video Ndume has fun with one of his favorite pieces of enrichment and makes a series of gestures, Read more