Koko Remembers Robin Williams

I just read this story on the web site of The Gorilla Foundation and wanted to share.

In 2001, Robin Williams was invited to meet Koko, the gorilla who communicates in sign language, at The Gorilla Foundation in northern California (see photo above). We had no idea what to expect, but everyone was in for a treat, and they became very special friends.

On Monday, Aug. 11, the day news broke of Williams' passing, Koko and Penny and Ron (Drs. Patterson and Cohn) were together when phone calls started coming in about the sad event. 

After the first call, Koko came to Dr. Patterson with an inquiring look on her face.  Dr. Patterson explained that "we have lost a dear friend, Robin Williams."  Koko was quiet and looked very thoughtful (above photo).

More phone calls about the news came in, and Koko overheard one from a former colleague who had worked with Williams while he filmed a public service announcement for The Gorilla Foundation (based on his visit with Koko) in 2003.  The colleague's voice broke at the end of the conversation.  About a half an hour later, Koko signed to Penny:  "CRY LIP" (LIP is Koko's sign for woman).

At the end of the day, Koko became very somber, with her head bowed and her lip quivering (below photo).

Here is the YouTube video of the day Robin Williams and Koko met...