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In
this series, we share our gorilla research and care activities
with you through the following features:
1)
Caregiver Corner (what
it's like to interact and communicate with gorillas Koko, Ndume
and Michael)
2) Research Revelations
(what we're learning through interspecies communication and
what it means for humanity)
prepared
by our staff under the supervision of Dr. Penny Patterson, Director
of Research. (Journal PhotoBlog
Archive) |
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| Koko Spends Quality Time with Ndume |
March 10, 2003 |
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Dr.
Francine "Penny" Patterson has a Ph.D. in Developmental
Psychology from Stanford. She is President and Research
Director of The Gorilla Foundation, and a Member
of the Board of ApeNet - a consortium of foundations
supporting the welfare of great apes through interspecies
communication. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of
"Gorilla, the journal of The Gorilla Foundation/Koko.org."
"Penny's Journal" provides insight into her facinating
relationship with Koko and a way to share with us
her experiences as Koko lives, learns and communicates
"The
differences between humans and gorillas are greatly
overshadowed by what we have in common — and by
communicating with them, we can learn as much about
our own true nature as theirs." Penny Patterson |
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| Koko and Ndume Relax Together |
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This picture captures a common occurrence at the Gorilla Foundation these days: Koko and
Ndume lounging just a few feet apart in a sunny patch of yard. It says a great deal about the
mutual trust they have developed, and we hope it is a sign that a gorilla baby is not too far
off.
The gorillas' progress coincides with their new ability to interact indoors as well as outdoors.
Last October, following renovations to our facility, we began the practice of opening the
gates between Koko's and Ndume's living quarters. We refer to this arrangement as the
"roundabout" because it creates a looping pathway through the gorillas' L-shaped main
building and the small yard. The gates to the large yard and a second building are also
opened, so the gorillas enjoy a free range of movement throughout the facility. They can
explore each other's spaces and belongings, and get as close as they desire in privacy.
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Ndume is a Sweetheart of a Silverback
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So far we have held the roundabout sessions during the day, gradually increasing the
duration and enabling the gorillas to adjust to this major change in their routine. However,
with the advent of warmer weather and Koko's growing ease around her good-natured
silverback companion, we intend to make the roundabout a 24-hour arrangement. Quiet
nights and open gates provide the most favorable backdrop for the next phase of Koko and
Ndume's relationship.
Penny
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Please
email us at research_feedback@koko.org
if you have any questions, or would like to share an observation
or insight about the preceding interspecies conversations.
Your feedback can inform our research and is a vital part
of our mission.
Thank you,
Dr. Francine Penny Patterson
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