Koko Learns to Sign "Flower"

This video shows a young Koko (age 2) running and playing on a grassy area at the San Francisco Zoo. While Koko is exploring, she frequently checks in with Penny. During these moments of joint attention, Penny models the sign for “Flower”. The gorillas used the same sign for “Flower” and “Stink”.
Later, Koko (age 28) uses the sign while looking at some paper covered in flowers. This sign was used frequently by Koko, she even used it to title one of her paintings - “Pink Pink Stink Nice Drink” - based on a photo she saw in a book of pink flowers along a river bank.
And Koko's younger male companion Michael used this sign to name a beautiful painting he did of a bouquet of flowers. He called it "Stink Gorilla More."

[@alisonaus2300]

Koko's intellect was so incredibly advanced as a child. Penny dedicated her life to Koko. It's sad Koko's gone. She truly was remarkable with a witty personality. 99% human DNA.

[@dsg3616]

Beautiful and loving Koko ❤💕💖

[@melindagibson8606]

I wonder if Koko ever had a conversation with someone that was actually deaf and could sign?! That would have been an interesting convo also!

[@leahsmith-2490]

I ❤ Koko 👋good girl koko❤❤❤

[@Ganpignanus]

koko melts my heart. her artwork is lovely.

[@hoekandat]

RIP beautiful Koko.

[@mary5827]

I love that painting! It would make a great greeting card or poster for fundraising or just as a souvenir. It's very pretty.❤

[@whoislani.]

I love koko! Such a shame she never got to be a mama ☹️❤

[@FloridaKatLady]

I always felt the same way. She loved her kitty and took such good care when it was little. She would have been a great momma.

[@theyuki-fay-multiverse9086]

As long as there are man and woman it is possible 👁️👄👁️

[@pandapoof8798]

​@The Yuki-Fay - Multiverse my dude... Koko was the gorilla and I'm pretty sure mating with animals is frowned upon.

[@lepout]

Excellent, thank you

[@mariakrzyzaniak2823]

💕

[@traceye.6428]

Is Koko’s painting available to buy as a downloadable print? I really love it and would be honoured to frame and have it in my home. Good fundraiser for the Gorilla foundation

[@lepout]

Flowers stink in a way. Koko is cute

[@genxx2724]

They don’t stink. They have a scent. They should have taught her “scent” or “fragrance”; taught her the different words for pleasant and unpleasant scents. They also should have taught her “picture”. When she saw a picture of flowers, she signed “fake”.

[@goodguyaus]

Kids will be kids 😊

[@prettymamacita9586]

Poor koko.

[@sherryhannah9262]

Pretty Mamacita what do you mean Poor Koko??????

[@lepout]

@@sherryhannah9262 maybe because the flowers stink for her

[@genxx2724]

@@lepout Interesting. I assumed she just didn’t have appropriate words.