The Gorilla Foundation / Koko.org (a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation)

Conservation through Communication

• The Gorilla Foundation / Koko.org on YouTube
• KokoBlog (Research/Care) on koko.org
• KokoFlix (video blog) on koko.org
• KokoPix (photo blog) on koko.org
• Gorilla Foundation Milestones
• The Significance of Project Koko to Humanity
• Follow the Gorilla Foundation/Koko.org on Facebook and Twitter!

The Gorilla Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 corporation dedicated to the preservation, protection and well-being of gorillas through interspecies communication research and education. The foundation was established in 1976 and is best known for its groundbreaking work with two western lowland gorillas, Koko and Michael, who were taught to become fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). The results are published in numerous research papers, books and videos that can be found on the Foundation's website, www.koko.org.

Our current top goals include: 1) establishing the Maui Ape Preserve, the first tropical gorilla sanctuary outside of Africa, 2) helping Koko expand her family, thus fostering cultural transmission of a human-taught language, and grooming a next generation ambassador for gorillas, and 3) building upon and sharing our 40-year multimedia research database with gorilla facilities throughout the world, as well as the general public, in order to promote better care in captivity and to save free-living gorillas form imminent extinction — by developing interspecies empathy through interspecies communication.

As one of our Advisory Board members puts it: "For hundreds of years, humans have wanted to 'talk with the animals.' Well, finally, we are. And we owe it to Koko and her species to let their voices continue to be heard."

The work of the Foundation is underwritten primarily by donations from individuals, plus some educational product sales. The Foundation receives no support from government sources.

Mission:

To bring interspecies communication to the public, in order to save gorillas from extinction, and create a sustainable future for all great apes.

Motto:

Conservation through Communication

Gorilla Foundation Testimonials

Supporters and General Public:

"I am very impressed with the important work you do at The Gorilla Foundation, which is obviously work based on love. Thank you for helping the world gain greater empathy and respect for animals through Koko's communications" — recent new member

"Koko is the most important and influential figure in the fight to save gorillas. She represents the connection between great apes and ourselves, a connection that is too close too be ignored" — David Allen

"Not only can KoKo communicate, she is doing so with another species!!! There is much for us to learn and apply to the other native species in the world and if we ever make official unclassified contact with an extraterrestrial species!!!" — Jeffrey Alan Swiney

"I feel that an increased understanding about animal intelligence and emotion will decrease the amount of animal abuse. You have done a huge amount toward this end." — Susan Woods, member

"Koko reminds me of how much we have in common with other animals sharing our planet, and how important it is to value the life and environment of each living creature." — Bruce and Anne Bloxom, members

"Communicating with an animal is incredible! Your work benefits all of mankind. Thank you so much." — Lynne Colby, member

"An amazing glimpse into another species worldview. A reminder of why we should respect animals for what they are, not just to view them for our use when it is convenient for us…." — Ed Glassner, member

"Koko proves what I have always felt or known, that animals are intelligent and emotional beings, and that communication with them is possible if we find the ways to do it. We all have our places in this world, and we must care for each other, as well as this planet." — Laurie Crozier

"Thank you, Dr. Patterson and Koko for your work which has advanced the understanding between humans and all animalkind." — Nadine Foley

"More people should know about this!" — John Tembeck, Jr.

"Koko (and Kanzi) help me tell people that humans are not the only ones who have rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…." — P. Roger Gillette

"I’m a fairly conservative person but I find Koko's story fantastic and fascinating. I think that her story has the best chance of increasing the empathy we have for primates and other animals….I thank you for the work you do." — Matt Woods

"Koko was one of my first exposures to Gorillas. I have fond memories of my mother reading Koko's Kitten to me when I was a little girl. Koko helped to spark my interest in animals, and I've been passionate about animal intelligence ever since. She has had a similar impact on millions of others." — Lauren McClane

Teachers

"Thank you for helping us learn more about Koko and other gorillas. Because of you and Koko, myself and my first graders have a special place in our hearts for gorillas and for people who continue to help them." — Carrie Parnell

"I work with a Hearing Impaired student who was not interested in signing. …With the introduction of Koko, my student became more intrigued and apt to use sign language! ….You have all made a big difference in our perception of what we can do to save gorillas and provide a healthy, happy environment for them…." — teacher of hearing impaired student

"Every day, it seems, some teacher is telling me another story of how some little kid really got it or learned something and how these youngsters have responded to the story of Koko and use it in other areas. I am smiling all the time these days…. Everyone's in love with Koko." — Monica Welch, honors class teacher

"When we think of saving the earth, we can't help but think of Koko." — anonymous teacher

"As I proceeded to read Koko's Kitten, my students began to lean forward in their seats. Not one interruption, not one hand in the air, not even a whisper could be heard…. Upon completion, our eyes met, some tearful. I was pleased and amazed by their attentive and sensitive behavior." — teacher

Kids

"You have inspired me to do better in life and do better in school. Your story is the best story I've ever read. You are the inspiration I need to do anything I set my mind on…." — Josh

"I am a sophomore in High School…Koko has made me want to learn more about the world, gorillas, primates, well, everything. … Since that day I heard about Koko I thought about her on a daily basis, and have really started working hard to pursue my dreams. On my darkest days, Koko keeps me going …." — Maire Mannix

"A third grade class, studying gorillas, had won a pizza party, but decided to donate the pizza money rather than spend it on themselves. As one child observed, 'We will always have pizza, but we might not always have gorillas.'" — Mr. Penkava, third grade teacher quoting student

"I am the mother of a 21 month old autistic boy. Today he saw video clips of Koko signing and he was transfixed…. Something connected for him that doesn't usually connect…. Thor continues to sit on my lap to watch Koko. He LOVES her…You and she have really touched that little boy." — mother regarding autistic son