Koko, Gorilla Who Mastered Sign Language, Dies

WOODSIDE, CA — The Gorilla Foundation says Koko, the famous gorilla who learned to communicate using sign language and once laughed with the late actor Robin Williams, has died. She was 46.

The western lowland gorilla died in her sleep Tuesday morning at the organization's preserve in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the foundation said in a release.

"Her impact has been profound and what she has taught us about the emotional capacity of gorillas and their cognitive abilities will continue to shape the world," the Gorilla Foundation said.

Koko was born Hanabi-ko, which is Japanese for “Fireworks Child,” on July 4, 1971 at the San Francisco Zoo.

She began learning sign language the following year. In 1979, Koko and the organization moved to the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Koko has been featured in multiple documentaries and even appeared on the cover of National Geographic —twice.

"Her impact has been profound and what she has taught us about the emotional capacity of gorillas and their cognitive abilities will continue to shape the world," the foundation said.

In 2001, Robin Williams was invited to meet Koko. Though no one knew what would happen, the two became special friends. Williams frequently made her smile, a rarity in the months following the death of her lifelong gorilla companion, Michael.

Koko reportedly cried when Williams died in 2014.

The foundation will honor Koko’s legacy and advance its mission through ongoing projects including conservation efforts in Africa, a great ape sanctuary in Hawaii and a sign language app featuring Koko that will benefit gorillas and kids.

Photo credit: Images and video courtesy of the Gorilla Foundation