Late yesterday morning, The Gorilla Foundation announced on Twitter the passing of a much beloved gorilla, one that captured both the attention and the heart of people around the world for her thoughtful intellect and empathy. Best known for mastering sign language, Hanabi-ko or “Koko” as she was affectionately called, died on Wednesday in her sleep, at the age of 46.
As The Gorilla Foundation noted, Koko “touched the lives of millions as an ambassador for all gorillas and an icon for interspecies communication and empathy.”
Take a look at the clips below from the many documentaries made of Koko during her lifetime. If social media reaction is any indication, her infectious spirit will be missed by many.
One of the simple joys of my life was getting updates about Koko from the Gorilla Foundation. Hearing about her always made me smile, no matter how terrible my day had been. I am so sad to hear of her passing but am grateful for the many years of joy she gave to all of us.
— Nina (@NinaBambina) June 21, 2018
Sweet dreams, beautiful girl. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/67vW24QwJQ
— DOCSTACHE (@HollidaysStache) June 21, 2018
My heart is I loved watching Koko so much. We are the same age and I feel I lost a childhood friend. She was pure love ❤️. Run free beautiful girl
— Stacey Prussman (@StaceyPrussman) June 21, 2018
So very sorry to hear such sad news , our therapy dog Koko was named after your beautiful Koko, sending love xxx pic.twitter.com/dzN4xAIclY
— Murray the Owl (@burrowingbolt) June 21, 2018
Koko was a friend to all, enjoying meeting and working alongside many humans, including her longtime companion and sign language instructor Dr. Francine “Penny” Patterson.
She helped me learn about love, sign language and compassion growing up as a child. Thank you, Koko. We’ll always love you.
— C (@EctoFlapjack) June 21, 2018
Koko was born on July 4, 1971 at the San Francisco Zoo. Her name means “Fireworks Child” in Japanese. During her lifetime, this lovable western lowland gorilla learned more than 1,000 different signs and met many interesting people, including several beloved celebrities.
Two of the most inspiring meetings were those between Koko and Mr. Rogers and Koko and Robin Williams—they are a study in unconditional love, and the joy she brought both men is palpable:
Oh I'm heartbroken to hear this. My condolences to you at the Gorilla Foundation.
To Koko who taught us all what our bigger family is.— DaleWillResist (@awelab1956) June 21, 2018
Today June 21, 2018 Robin Williams met Koko on Rainbow Bridge. The two of them are happily tickling each other in Heaven.https://t.co/LS7IjajAVB
— Santa Claus (@HawkeyeNJ) June 21, 2018
She was also known for her deep affection for her feline companions, even inspiring the popular children’s book, Koko’s Kitten.
Here is a clip of Koko first meeting her kittens.
Koko Mama ..bless you pic.twitter.com/4QX6oM6dIN
— Crissy (@Crissy11823862) June 21, 2018
And her sadness at the loss when one of them died:
I am so very sad and sorry for your loss. Koko was so loved. By all of you. By all of us. She was more loving & caring than most humans ❣️ pic.twitter.com/P3qPTEPd79
— Mireya M Lousteau (@Borgias4ever) June 21, 2018
This big-hearted gorilla was a shining example of love and empathy for all of us. The Gorilla Foundation has pledged to continue to honor Koko’s legacy in their future wildlife work.
H/T: Mashable, Twitter
