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Nov 9, 2008 |
Koko celebrates Ndume’s Birthday |
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Gorillas Koko and Ndume always share in each other’s celebrations. This year, Ndume’s birthday was no exception. The caregiver’s transformed the outdoor habitat into a lunar-like terrain, added a “rocket ship” (whose nose cone was filled with healthy party treats) and prepared a meal fit for the crew of the Enterprise. Here Koko is scouting the new terrain, in an “advance party” for Ndume.
You can read more about this enriching and enlivening celebration enjoyed by both the gorillas and caregivers (and watch a comprehensive slideshow) in the latest edition of Penny’s Team Journal, written by Adrienne Mrsny (Gorilla Caregiver and Behavior/Enrichment Specialist). |
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Oct 7, 2008 |
Everyone Benefits from Stress Relaxation |
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Koko gets a nice back scratch from Dr. Penny Patterson. Back scratches are more than simply enjoyable. They can promote significant stress relaxation, and even gorillas (especially gorillas in captive settings) can benefit from that. Having developed a 36 year relationship with each other makes the relaxation benefits that much greater. |
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Sep 29, 2008 |
Koko: Portrait of an Interspecies Ambassador |
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Koko is very calm, cool and collected considering that her entire species is being driven (and in some cases “eaten”) into extinction in Africa; her dream of moving to the new Maui Ape Preserve is taking longer than expected; and her life-long wish to have a baby has not yet reached fruition.
How else would you expect an interspecies ambassador to behave?
As a role model for others to emulate: imperviously optimistic, compassionate but firm; humble but charismatic; and gentle but powerful. Are we up to the job? |
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Sep 15, 2008 |
Ndume takes it to the mat |
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Ndume enjoys resting on one of his new ergonomically designed rubber mats, generously donated to both gorillas, Koko and Ndume, by Working Concepts, inc.. As the gorillas spend a fair amount of time indoors during the winter (now approaching) they really appreciate having something this comfortable to sit, stand, kneel, lie or play on — as do their caregivers. |
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Aug 29, 2008 |
Only secure silverbacks have teddybears |
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Ndume (Koko’s mate) chooses to spend some quality time on a picnic blanket with some friendly stuffed animals (including bears). What an inventive form of stress relaxation! |
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Aug 18, 2008 |
Is Koko ready to blog? |
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Koko likes to do a little sketching, write a few words, fill up the page with doodles and designs, but she’s not nearly as expressive in writing as she is in sign language or art.
Do you think Koko would enjoy typing or stylusing on a computer rather than writing in a notebook? And should she have her own personal blog, or should she leave that endeavor to humans? |
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Jul 8, 2008 |
Koko Keeps Kool in Summer |
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As the temperature warms up in northern California beyond normal limits, Koko is forced to spend more time indoors (in her air-conditioned bedroom, which is being driven to its limits too). Here, Koko is spending a little quality time outdoors, just before the heat wave. (PS: Your donations will help us ensure Koko’s and Ndume’s welfare in these challenging times, as well as that of gorillas at large.) |
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Jun 15, 2008 |
Koko — close up, and person-al |
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It's hard to think of Koko as anything other than a "person" when you look into her eyes. You might wonder: how can poachers hunt and kill gorillas for "bushmeat" in Africa? Answer: They've never looked into a gorilla's eyes like this, nor even seen a photo (or video) like this. They've probably never heard of Koko, or Michael or Ndume . . . and they certainly don't believe gorillas can feel and care the way they do. It's Our job to change this. Thank you for helping Koko save her species . . . |
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Jun 4, 2008 |
Koko’s baby (?) |
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We’ve been receiving a lot of questions lately about whether Koko still wants a baby, is able to have one, are there other options, etc. In response, we’ve created a special FAQ answer that addresses this question comprehensively.
The short answer is that Koko still very much would like to have a baby, is very affectionate with her baby dolls (as shown here) and we think she would make an extremely good mother, teaching her baby all of the signs she learned as a baby, and more. To see a video clip of Koko “molding” one of her orangutan dolls to sign “drink”, click here.
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May 13, 2008 |
Koko enjoys the nice weather |
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It’s nice when Spring comes to Northern California as it means that Koko (and Ndume) can spend more time outside again. Being outside in the sun improves everyone’s mood, don’t you think? |
