The anniversary of Robin Williams’ death was less than a week ago, so we here at redOrbit wanted to share a story that highlights just how special he was: The story of how he helped Koko the sign language gorilla.
For those of you who don’t know, Koko was raised by humans in an attempt to see if she could be taught sign language. Beginning in 1972, the experiment was supposed to last around four years—but it still ongoing today.
In those 43 years, Koko has astounded the scientific community. She has learned over 1000 sign language words and can understand 2000 spoken English words. She not only knows words, but can use them flexibly—meaning that you can have full (albeit somewhat limited) conversations with her. Like in this video:
Koko also plays instruments for fun, creates paintings (which you can actually buy), is a cat lover, and enjoys making rhymes, among many, many other things. Further, two later gorillas (Michael and Ndume) have shown us that Koko is not unique in these traits—environment can conceivably make any gorilla surprisingly human.
But perhaps the saddest discovery they made was highlighted because of Michael. Thanks to Koko, researchers found that gorillas have a full range of emotions like we do, and this became extremely apparent in 2000, when Michael—Koko’s best friend for 24 years—passed away.
For six months, Koko did not smile once.
Williams—who was also battling depression at the time—decided to visit The Gorilla Foundation (where Koko lives) after taking an interest in ape conservation. They invited him to meet Koko, and what followed is possibly the best buddy film of all time:
“Not only did Robin cheer up Koko,” wrote The Gorilla Foundation in a press release, “the effect was mutual, and Robin seemed transformed.”
The two tickled each other and played, and became so close in that one encounter that she remembered him 13 years later, when her handlers informed her of his death—and mourned with the rest of us.
“Koko and Robin’s encounter is a supreme example of how humans and gorillas can overcome interspecies boundaries and express the highest form of empathy — embracing differences,” wrote The Gorilla Foundation. “Robin’s ability to just spend time with Koko, a gorilla, and in minutes become one of her closest friends, was extraordinary and unforgettable for Koko. We hope that it now becomes unforgettable for you too.
“And when you remember Robin Williams, remember that he is not only one of the world’s most beloved entertainers, he is also one of the world’s most powerful ambassadors for great ape conservation.”
More on Koko and The Gorilla Foundation can be found here, on their website.
(Image credit: The Gorilla Foundation)
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