Koko, the western lowland gorilla who learned sign language and basically redefined humanity, has died at the age of 46. As The Washington Post notes, Koko gained notoriety after she developed a lifelong friendship with Dr. Francine “Penny” Patterson, who taught Koko American Sign Language after she was transferred at an early age in 1974 to The Gorilla Foundation, a non-profit research facility designed to protect the greatest of apes: gorillas.
Early Thursday, The Gorilla Foundation published a press release, noting that Koko died during her sleep on Tuesday.
Beloved gorilla Koko, famous for learning American Sign Language, passed away at 46 pic.twitter.com/5eGWmT1peJ
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) June 21, 2018
Over her years at The Gorilla Foundation, Koko became apt at sign language and developed lasting relationships with scientists, companionships with animals (such as her adorable kitten, All Ball) and a lengthy star-studded entourage.
Koko had the opportunity to spread awareness about various gorilla species and meet her celebrity idol, Mr. Rogers. The famous gorilla, who reportedly knew how to sign over 1,000 words, also met Robin Williams, William Shatner and Leonardo DiCaprio, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
After The Gorilla Foundation’s initial announcement, Twitter users have used their social media platforms to commemorate their favorite Koko moments—and there’s a lot of them.
While some users remember Koko for her caregiving roles to her adorable kittens, others remember her for her classic snark.
Rest In Peace to Koko, a 230 lb gorilla who mastered sign language and lovingly mothered several kittens.
A magical being. pic.twitter.com/8Zzll5vHHi
— Dana Gould (@danagould) June 21, 2018
One user writes, “Koko the gorilla once ripped a sink out of the wall and, when her keepers confronted her about it, she blamed her kitten, signing ‘cat did it.’ That HAD been my favorite Koko story, until I saw this: RIP to an absolute legend.”
Koko the gorilla once ripped a sink out of the wall and, when her keepers confronted her about it, she blamed her kitten, signing “cat did it.” That HAD been my favorite Koko story, until I saw this:
RIP to an absolute legend pic.twitter.com/sH6mGQVVZ3
— Red Durkin (@RedIsDead) June 21, 2018
However, Koko was more than just a hyper-relatable gorilla. Beyond Koko’s encounters with celebrities and her infinite list of memorable moments, Koko also taught the globe about gorillas—creating necessary awareness about gorillas, where particular species are still critically endangered according to the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF).
CNN notes that Koko’s compassionate demeanor and communication skills lead to numerous documentaries and press coverage about her and gorillas. Nevertheless, we can continue to uphold Koko’s iconic legacy by living more like Koko, by being compassionate, understanding and always willing to learn.
If you’re not sure what Koko would do, you can start by volunteering or donating to mindful animal welfare organizations, non-profit wildlife preservations and animal research facilities in her honor.
RIP Koko.