|
|
|
|
|
|
| The
Gorilla Foundation conducts research
in interspecies communication (language),
cultural development, and intellectual
and emotional awareness—treating
gorillas as respected family members,
for our mutual benefit. |
| Interspecies
Communication (via
American Sign
Language) |
|
 |
 |
| |
• |
Koko
has learned over 1000 signs. |
| |
• |
She
invents her own new compound signs,
eg, "finger-bracelet"
for ring. |
| |
• |
Koko
understands spoken English. |
| |
• |
Koko
is not unique: gorilla Michael
was very articulate in ASL too. |
| |
• |
Koko's
use of grammatical aspects of
sign language in complex phrases
is evident. |
| |
• |
This
teaches us much about human language
development/origns. |
| |
• |
More examples of Koko signing |
|
| Koko
signs "Koko" |
Koko
signs "bird" |
| Gorilla
Art |
|
|
 |
 |
| |
• |
Koko
paints representationally and
impressionistically. |
| |
• |
She's
painted many self-named works.
|
| |
• |
Gorilla Michael painted
even more! |
| |
• |
Their
work has appeared in galleries
and artists and critics are impressed
with their use of color and technique. |
| |
• |
More examples of Gorilla Art |
| |
• |
How
to purchase Gorilla Art |
|
| "Bird"
by Koko |
The
Actual Bird on Koko's Back |
| Empathy,
Emotions and Personhood |
|
 |
 |
| |
• |
Koko
(and other gorillas) appear to
have the same emotions we have. |
| |
• |
She
can be happy, sad, jealous, frustrated,
angry, willful, funny ... |
| |
• |
Koko
loves kittens and she still grieves
for her first kitten, All Ball. |
| |
• |
Her
empathy for others has changed
our perception of gorillas forever. |
| |
• |
Gorillas
clearly deserve basic personal
rights such as protection from
harm. |
| |
• |
More examples of Koko's person-ality |
|
| Koko
and Kitten Smoky |
Writing in Her Notebook |
|
Learn
More
| Donate
Now
Related
Research Links: Koko's
World | Penny's
Team Journal | KokoTV
| Bibliography
|
|
|
|
|
