The Death Of Koko, The Female Gorilla Who Spoke To Men
Some time ago, on June 20, 2018, the death of Koko, probably the most famous female gorilla in the world , was unfortunately confirmed . She belonged to the western lowland gorilla subspecies and died at the age of 46 in what has been her home in recent years, The Gorilla Foundation of San Francisco, United States.
According to its curators, Koko’s death occurred in her sleep, without pain on the part of this great and famous primate. Most likely, the Foundation will close its doors, especially now that the use of primates to study language has been questioned, for ethical reasons.
Koko, a gorilla with a prodigious mind
Koko became famous for her skill in sign language. His tutor, Franscine Patterson, was able to teach him more than 1,000 signs that the animal could both understand and use. In addition, he was able to understand at least 2000 words of the English oral vocabulary.
However, it is believed that these skills have often been exaggerated. In general, the scientific community agrees that Koko was unable to process sentences using syntax and her ability to communicate was similar to that of a four-year-old.
Do you know Koko’s story?
Koko was born in the San Francisco Zoo and was often ill during the first months of her life. So it was necessary to assign a person to take care of her. And its curator, Franscine Patterson, created a very strong and emotional bond with this female gorilla.
Subsequently, Franscine managed to take Koko to a foundation where she remained for the rest of her life. Some immediately showed strong criticism of this decision, as in the zoo, despite being an enclosed space, at least Koko had many other gorillas to interact with. Instead of just one person.
Koko’s adventurous life
Koko loved animals very much and took care of cats on many occasions, expressing her love for them. These manifestations occurred explicitly, as the primate was able to use sign language to communicate his feelings.
This gorilla met many people, such as Leonardo Di Caprio or even Robin Williams. The whole world could see Koko’s reaction to the news of the famous actor’s death.
The ethical problem linked to Koko’s experience
Although Koko has inspired many people, there are many who believe the conditions in which she was raised hide a subtle example of animal abuse.
Primates often run the risk of being humanized. Especially if they are kept in close contact with people. And this, of course, is something they undergo and do not choose. The direct consequence of this practice is that it would then be impossible to reinsert these gorillas in their habitat. That is why they should never be isolated and forced to live as people.
Although she lived with gorillas at various stages of her life, Koko was forced into constant contact with people. Something that certainly goes against its wild nature.
Some criticize these primate experiments, as if they don’t go as planned, they can trigger dramatic situations. Like abandonment or animal experimentation, two examples of severe psychological abuse for these primates ended up at the mercy of pseudo-scientists.
What is certain is that Koko had a very different life from that of her peers and, above all, that it was imposed on her. Perhaps his story and his videos may have helped raise public awareness of nature, but it is still another example of human exploitation.
