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Press Release TALKING GORILLA TURNS 31 WOODSIDE, CA – July 4, 2002
This self-described "fine animal gorilla" is renowned for her abilities in communicating with sign language. As we honor her birthday we will also, fittingly, be celebrating the publication of the Japanese language version of the best-selling childrenšs book which catapulted her to worldwide fame, "Kokošs Kitten." When a baby gorilla was born on July 4 at the San Francisco Zoo, there was great excitement and a contest to name the baby gorilla. Hanabi-Ko, or "Fireworks Child," was the clear favorite. Not only was it a fitting name, but the donor of her parents was Carroll Soo-Hoo, an Asian benefactor of the Zoo. Little did anyone suspect exactly the sort of fireworks this remarkable ape would create as she grew up. Hanabi-Ko fell ill as an infant and had to be taken from her mother and placed in intensive care to insure her survival. As she convalesced, she met Penny Patterson, then a graduate student in developmental psychology at Stanford University. Penny, who had been fascinated by primate learning studies, began to teach her sign language. Today, Koko boasts a vocabulary of more than 1,000 words. She has twice been featured on the cover of National Geographic Magazine, has conducted AOL on-line chats, and has been the subject of numerous television documentaries and media interviews. Through her remarkable facility with language and her gentle love of kittens, Koko has revolutionized our understanding of all gorillas, showing that they are sensitive, intelligent and self-aware creatures with a well-devleoped sense of humor. Today, with gorillas and other apes more seriously endangered in their native habitats than ever, the insights that Koko has provided make it even more imperative that we do everything possible to save them. That is why the Gorilla Foundation, the non-profit organization founded by Dr. Penny Patterson and inspired by Koko, continues its progress towards developing a sanctuary for apes on the Hawaiian island of Maui. This refuge will provide a climatologically suitable home for Koko, her 20-year-old male gorilla partner Ndume and their potential offspring. In the future, it is also envisioned that other apes in need of a safe haven may find a home there. Each year Koko looks forward to and helps prepare her birthday party. "Gorillas love eat good" is what she has told us gorillas like to do best. Her special day will begin with an early morning walk around the grounds of her current 6-acre home in Woodside, CA where she can forage on roses, dandelions and plums. The day will be capped off as she is presented with a healthful birthday feast and opens gifts sent to her by admirers from around the world. The Gorilla Foundation is dedicated to studies in interspecies communication and actively promotes gorilla conservation and public education. For further information email The Gorilla Foundation at info@koko.org |
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Š Copyright 2002 The Gorilla Foundation / Koko.org. Terms of Use |
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