Overview
This lecture tells the story of Koko, a gorilla who learned sign language, formed deep relationships, displayed intelligence and emotion, and changed perceptions about animal consciousness.
Early Life and Background
- Koko, born July 4, 1971, at San Francisco Zoo, was named Hanabi-Ko ("fireworks child").
- She was rejected by her mother after illness, leading to early separation and isolation.
- Francine "Penny" Patterson, a Stanford student, began to work with Koko in 1972 for PhD research.
Learning Sign Language and Intelligence
- Koko was taught sign language despite initial challenges, as she would not let anyone guide her hands.
- By age three, Koko knew about 200 signs and could express emotions.
- She demonstrated humor and creativity, inventing new signs like "finger bracelet" for ring and "eye hat" for mask.
- Koko’s intelligence was measured at an IQ of 70–90, comparable to a young child.
- She could draw and communicate complex ideas using sign language.
Social Interactions and Emotional Depth
- Koko formed friendships with fellow gorillas Michael and Ndume, both of whom learned sign language.
- She used sign language to express feelings, make jokes, and describe relationships.
- Koko had a remarkable friendship with cats, treating them gently and expressing deep grief when one died.
- She showed self-awareness by passing the mirror recognition test at age 19.
Daily Life and Interests
- Koko enjoyed watching movies; her favorites included "Tea with Mussolini" and "Jurassic Park."
- She learned to use a computer to type words and played musical instruments like harmonica and recorders.
- Koko’s photo with her kitten appeared on the cover of National Geographic.
Public Impact and Legacy
- Koko met celebrities such as Robin Williams, forming emotional connections with them.
- Her behavior and abilities challenged scientific views of animal intelligence and emotion.
- Koko became a symbol for conservation and interspecies understanding, often advocating for care of nature.
Concepts of Death and Final Message
- When shown a skeleton, Koko signed "dead" and described the afterlife as a "comfortable hole."
- Before her death, Koko urged humans to care for the Earth: "Fix Earth! Help Earth! Nature see you."
Key Terms & Definitions
- Sign Language — A system of hand gestures used for communication, taught to Koko for human-ape interaction.
- Theory of Mind — The ability to understand others have their own thoughts and feelings.
- IQ (Intelligence Quotient) — A score derived from standardized tests to measure intelligence.
- Mirror Self-Recognition Test — A test for self-awareness; passing it shows one recognizes themselves in a mirror.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Koko’s story for examples of animal intelligence on upcoming tests.
- Reflect on the implications of Koko’s legacy for discussions on animal rights and conservation.