Francine Patterson

Francine Patterson is a psychologist best known for her pioneering work with Koko, a Western Lowland Gorilla she taught American Sign Language. Patterson aimed to demonstrate that great apes can understand and communicate through sign language, challenging perceptions of animal cognition and emotional capacity. Her research highlighted the intelligent and emotional nature of gorillas, sparking discussions about animal rights and human-animal relationships. Patterson’s work has been influential in both psychology and conservation, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting the mental lives of primates.