Koko the Gorilla and Robin Williams met in 2001.
Koko communicates in sign language and lives in the Gorilla Foundation in Woodside, California. Buzzfeed reports the two immediately became friends.
Koko can sense a human’s nature, and Dr Penny Patterson, the foundation’s president, said she was immediately drawn to Robin.
Robin filmed a documentary of his experience, describing it as “unforgettable”.
On Monday, Koko learned of Williams’ death, the foundation released a statement –
“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.”
After hearing an emotional conversation between Dr Patterson and another colleague, Koko reportedly signed the words “woman” and “crying”, according to Buzzfeed.
“Koko became very somber, with her head bowed and her lip quivering.”
Dr Patterson told Buzzfeed –
““Robin made Koko smile — something she hadn’t done for over six months, ever since her childhood gorilla companion, Michael, passed away.”
**Sob**
