Koko (the gorilla)

Koko was a female western lowland gorilla known for her ability to communicate using American Sign Language (ASL). Throughout her life, she learned over 1,000 signs, demonstrating cognitive skills and emotional depth comparable to a young child. Koko's communication showcased her capacity for expressing feelings, desires, and even humor, challenging assumptions about animal intelligence. Her story provided valuable insights into primate cognition and the potential for cross-species understanding. Koko's legacy emphasizes the importance of compassionate research and highlights the complex emotional lives of great apes.