Episode 707: Koko: World’s Smartest Gorilla?

On this episode of the world famous Sofa King Podcast, we tell the unique tale of Koko the gorilla. Koko was born in captivity in San Francisco and became world famous for her use of sign language. She was said to have the vocabulary of a five year old child, and she showed complex emotions, memories, and even a sense of humor through her use of language. She even taught another gorilla sign language, and the two of them made up their own signs. Koko was depressed after her mate died, and they brought in none other Robin Williams to cheer her up; they became fast friends. So, what do the haters say about Koko’s language? What intelligence tests did she pass? What did she name her pet cats and the bird she hated? Listen, laugh, learn.

Visit Our Sources:

https://www.koko.org/about/gorilla-koko/

https://daily.jstor.org/the-legacy-of-koko-the-gorilla/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koko_(gorilla)

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/gorillas-koko-sign-language-culture-animals

https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/robin-williams-best-friend-gorilla/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror_test

https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-koko-gorilla-last-words-631101544696