Michael's Story, where he signs about his family

Michael grew up with Koko; they learned sign language together, they both painted beautifully, and they became like brother and sister. But Michael didn't come to live with Koko until he was 3 1/2 years old. As an infant in Africa, he lost his parents at the hands of poachers, in the illegal bushmeat trade, and witnessed his own mother's demise. In this clip, Michael responds to a question about his mother with this description of that event — a memory that he conveyed several times, before his own passing in 2000. Michael will be remembered by Koko and everyone at the Gorilla Foundation always — he was a true inspiration.

Lesson: Gorillas can not only use language to communicate their current wants and needs, they can also use it to relate memories. From Michael we learn directly about the tragedy of the bushmeat crisis, which he experienced firsthand as a baby.

Date Added: Mar 23, 2008
Videographer: Ron Cohn

• Category

  Pets & Animals

[SonOfGreyWhooHoo]

Not sure why people are arguing in these comments. This is fucking incredible, enough said.

[korynnleefx]

@someman7 youre an ignorant moron. firstly, for believing humans are superior to other life--youre an example of why we aren't. secondly, for not realizing that every species that is eliminated vastly effects the ecological system of that environment. there are plenty of humans, and plenty of people helping them. sorry if someone tossing a few dollars to a couple gorillas aggrivates your anal wound so badly.

[gtaivmaker]

Is Micheal still alive?

[Yuna Braska]

this is proof to the all the people that says Animals have no soul. YES THEY DO! AND THEY FEEL JUST LIKE US!

[Jay Smith]

LAPPY :/

[InstantK0ed]

New keyboard £5, or if a lappy, you're screwed

[Jay Smith]

BUT I CANT, ITS BROKEN :/

[InstantK0ed]

Fuckin hell, caps off son. You're gonna embarrass everyone by shouting. Was just trolling, jesus christ.

[InstantK0ed]

Of course i was trolling, as if i'm really a racist. Not many real racists exist in the UK.

[Jay Smith]

He must be trolling, because he's full of racist crap...

[Jay Smith]

OYE, TAKE THE BRITISH FLAG OFF YOUR PROFILE PHOTO, YOU DONT REPRESENT THE REST OF BRITAIN WITH YOUR RACISM, ITS PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHO NEED TO BE KEPT UNDER CONTROL.