15 votes

Koko, the beloved gorilla that learned to communicate using sign language, has died

Posted by goodbetterbestbested
Tags: gorillas, linguistics, language, obituaries, koko, primates, sign language.american, deaths.animal, author.lindsey bever, source.the washington post, long read, paywall.hard
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/animalia/wp/2018/06/21/koko-the-beloved-gorilla-that-learned-to-communicate-using-sign-language-has-died/

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3 comments

  1. [3]
    Axelia
    Link
    Rest in peace, dear Koko. I'm sorry I didn't get to say goodbye, but at least you were healthy and happy when I last saw you. I hope there are plenty of pretty red roses in heaven for you to eat.

    Rest in peace, dear Koko. I'm sorry I didn't get to say goodbye, but at least you were healthy and happy when I last saw you. I hope there are plenty of pretty red roses in heaven for you to eat.

    4 votes
    1. [2]
      TrialAndFailure
      Link Parent
      You saw Koko? Did she sign stuff for you? EDIT: "Sign" as in sign language. I know the gorilla wasn't giving autographs, as cool as that would be.

      You saw Koko? Did she sign stuff for you?

      EDIT: "Sign" as in sign language. I know the gorilla wasn't giving autographs, as cool as that would be.

      4 votes
      1. Axelia
        Link Parent
        I helped out at the Foundation for a time. I wasn't proficient in sign language so she'd use a few basic signs and I'd ask yes/no questions for the most part. She would most often ask me to take a...

        I helped out at the Foundation for a time. I wasn't proficient in sign language so she'd use a few basic signs and I'd ask yes/no questions for the most part. She would most often ask me to take a nap or ask for a flower (or "stink" in her version of sign language).

        4 votes