Dear Friend,

What does a gorilla order for lunch — and how does she ask for it?

Watch Koko sign her food choices, request a drink, and even clean up her own dishes in the above video.

She then signs that she is thirsty and gets her own drink, showing how communication can support independence in daily life.

In the final clip, Koko uses water and a towel to clean and dry her dishes, a small but meaningful act of self-care.

Together, these moments remind us that ordinary routines can reveal and support communication, decision-making, and practical skill.

Thank you for being part of our effort to help people better understand gorillas with care, respect, and curiosity — so that we may save them from both captivity and extinction!

With Koko-Love,

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

Conservation through Communication

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