Meet Koko, the gorilla who can speak to humans
What makes Koko extraordinary is her ability to communicate with humans using sign language, which she was taught by Penny Paterson. At the time of their meeting, Paterson was a PHD student who was doing an experiment to find out more about human-animal communication.
To date, Koko is said to know at least over 1,000 different signs, and that’s not all. Those who have met Koko say her presence is breathtaking.
Director of the film, Jonny Taylor, told Mashable: “It's incredibly quiet and tranquil where she lives — you are ushered to Koko's porch with just a thin metal wire between you and her. At first I couldn't see her, but then began to hear her purr and slowly move into view. Her size and presence took my breath away, and as she begins to want to engage you feel entirely privileged to be so close to such a magnificent animal. She came straight towards me, and towards the camera, smelling everything — trying to work out as much as she could. Then she put her hand down to mine and led me into her enclosure — it felt like we were being invited in to a special world."
Koko’s film, entitled “Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People”, will reportedly air on BBC One on June 15 at 20h30.