Dear [First Name],

For over four decades, I had the incredible privilege of working side by side with Koko, the remarkable gorilla who learned to communicate with us through American Sign Language (ASL). She changed my life—and the lives of so many who came to understand that gorillas are not so different from us. Now, I need your help to continue her legacy in a way that can truly make a difference for gorillas worldwide.
With the Koko Signs app, we have created a tool that allows people of all ages to learn Koko’s signs, guided by Koko herself and insights from my time with her. More than just an educational resource, this app has the power to bridge the communication gap between humans and gorillas—helping us understand them better and, in turn, giving them a voice.

But our mission is far from complete. We must now take the next critical step: bringing Koko Signs to Africa to support gorilla conservation where it matters most.

The Urgent Crisis Facing Gorillas
Gorillas are at a tipping point. Across Africa, these magnificent animals face relentless threats that push them closer to extinction. Habitat destruction from deforestation, mining, and agriculture is shrinking their home, forcing them into smaller, fragmented areas where survival becomes increasingly difficult. Meanwhile, the illegal bushmeat trade continues to take a devastating toll, with gorillas hunted and killed at alarming rates.

These dangers don’t just threaten individual gorillas—they endanger entire populations. Without immediate intervention, we risk losing them forever. But there is hope: education and communication can change the future for gorillas.

Why This Matters:
• All gorillas use gestures to communicate. Koko showed us that with the right tools, we can build meaningful two-way communication with them.
• Teaching ASL to both humans and gorillas can break barriers and foster deeper understanding.
• By distributing Koko Signs in African gorilla habitat countries, we can empower local communities with education and inspire them to protect their wild gorilla populations.

We have already seen success, with thousands of people using the app—including in Cameroon and Uganda. Now, with your support, we can expand access by creating an offline version for remote areas, adding new signs and conversations, and continuing to develop tools that promote “conservation through communication.”

Join Me in Expanding Koko’s Legacy!

Your donation will directly fund our efforts to distribute the Koko Signs app throughout Africa, helping to preserve gorillas and ensure their future.

Koko taught me that gorillas are intelligent, emotional, and deeply connected beings. She showed us that when we listen, they have so much to say.

Let’s ensure that her voice—and the voices of all gorillas—continue to be heard.

PS: When you become a monthly donor this World Gorilla Day (at $10 or more per month),  you’ll receive a beautiful Koko Plush gorilla as a special thank you gift in honor of Koko and World Gorilla Day.

Conservation through Communication

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