Dear Friend,
In the above video I both mold and model the sign for โSweaterโ, and Koko responds with a hug before donning her blue-and-white garment.
Once dressed, Koko signs โOpenโ repeatedly, signaling her eagerness to go outside. On the grass, Koko spins and plays with me, eventually slipping off the sweater.
I then introduce the sign โFlower,โ layering language with sensory experience as I offer a bloom to Koko.
Finally, Koko lifts her arms in a natural โUpโ gesture โ and I lift her into my arms โ an example of how natural (untaught) gestures provided the groundwork for Kokoโs affinity with ASL.
These playful moments show that language development is shaped by curiosity, connection, and the cognitive readiness to link symbols with experience. They were also as much fun as they look!
With Koko-Love,
Dr. Penny Patterson
President, CEO and Founder
The Gorilla Foundation / Koko.org
Conservation through Communication
The Gorilla Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Our Federal Tax ID is: 942-38-6151
Without the support of people like you, Gorillas remain at risk.
Thank you for supporting Koko’s Legacy of gorilla conservation and care today!
