Koko the Gorilla: Weight, Language Legacy, and Conservation Impact

Koko (1971–2018): The Gorilla Who Talked with Hands

Weight at death (June 2018): ~200 lb (91 kg) – typical for adult female western lowland gorilla (range 150–250 lb).

Language Achievements

• Learned >1,000 signs (modified ASL); understood ~2,000 spoken English words.
• Combined signs creatively (e.g., "finger-bracelet" for ring).
• Expressed emotions, humor, future/past reference, grief (for kitten All Ball).

Scientific Impact

• Challenged human-uniqueness assumptions about language, empathy, theory of mind.
• Advanced understanding of great ape cognition and welfare needs.

Conservation Legacy

• The Gorilla Foundation (founded 1976) continues habitat protection, anti-poaching, and education in Africa.
• Koko's story inspired generations; "Ambassador for Gorillas."

Note: Some linguistic claims debated; but her cognitive and emotional depth is well-documented.