Dear Friend,

In the above video, Koko and I play a simple imitation game. I ask her, in spoken English, can you do what I do, and she stays with the request through a whole series of changing movements. Koko matches facial expressions, then shifts to more coordinated actions using different parts of her body, showing careful attention and control.

My favorite moment comes at the end, when a piece of paper becomes a “hat.” I place it on my head and sign “hat,” and Koko follows along, turning imitation into a shared pretend game. It is a small interaction, but it offers a clear window into how focused and adaptable gorillas can be when they are engaged with a trusted partner.

Thank you for being part of our effort to help people better understand gorillas with care, respect, and curiosity..

With Koko-Love,

Penny Patterson
President, CEO and Founder
The Gorilla Foundation / koko.org

Conservation through Communication

so that Koko’s legacy can live on — protecting gorillas in Africa
and giving them a voice worldwide.

The Gorilla Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Our Federal Tax ID is: 942-38-6151