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Los Angeles – Koko, a gorilla at the Gorilla Foundation in Woodside that communicates in sign language, was a good friend of Robin Williams.
The actor visited her in 2001 and the two clicked instantly.
The Gorrila Foundation posted a video of the encounter on their website:
They wrote in a web post: "In the video, notice that Robin made Koko smile - something she hadn’t done for over 6 months, ever since her lifelong gorilla companion, Michael, passed away at the age of 27.
"But not only did Robin cheer up Koko, the effect was mutual, and Robin seemed transformed — from a high-energy entertainer, into a mellow, sensitive, empathetic guy, who also happened to be really funny."
According to the post Koko overheard a conversation regarding the passing of Robin Williams.
"Koko, Penny and Ron (Drs Patterson and Cohn) were together when phone calls started coming in about the sad event.
"After the first all, Koko came to Dr Patterson with an inquiring look on her face. Dr Patterson explained that 'we have lost a dear friend, Robin Williams'. Koko was quiet and looked very thoughtful.
"More phone calls about the news came in, and Koko overheard one from a former colleague who had worked with Williams while he filmed a public service announcement for The Gorilla Foundation (based on his visit with Koko) in 2003.
"The colleague's voice broke at the end of the conversation. About a half an hour later, Koko signed to Penny: "CRY LIP" (LIP is Koko's sign for woman)."
"At the end of the day, Koko became very somber, with her head bowed and her lip quivering."
See photos here.
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Source: The Gorilla Foundation
