Koko Responds to a Sad Movie

Koko watches intently a DVD movie on her TV that she has seen several times before. It is called Tea with Mussolini. When it comes to a sad part, where the boy has to say goodbye to all of his relatives and waves goodbye on the train, Koko turns away from the TV. She then proceeds to sign: "Frown, sad, cry, bad, trouble, mother and Koko-love." Her eyes also look very watery. (Gorillas cry too.)

Lesson: There is mounting scientific evidence that great apes can feel empathy for others. This example points to the possibility that gorillas, in particular, may also be able to empathize with fictional human characters portrayed by actors—or at least be moved by them

• Category

  Pets & Animals

[SethBeastable]

I understand Koko is really smart and that it is amazing the ease with which she communicates with humans, but if I whenever I see this I can't help but think 'that's just a person in a gorilla suit'

[DollyNipples]

And gorillas are very gentle and shy - much gentler and sweeter than chimpanzees, which will turn on their 'friends' and maul them right out of the blue. Gorillas on the other hand will likely run instead of fighting. They're just too decent for this world.

[SWLinPHX]

I love how Penny reassures her:  "You have courage!" -- LOL

[LoganJproductions]

We need to spend billions more researching the habits of these wonderful creatures together as an international community. These blessed beings are the kindest of all.

[SWLinPHX]

LOL

[Siraj Mohammed]

thanks mate,

[TOMMY RONSSON]

is because u r an idiot....

[SWLinPHX]

They are like mother and daughter and also best friends. Bonded for life. There is a symposium where Penny speaks on stage to an audience.

[valhala56]

There is some info on Penny and Koko on Wikipedia with some Links. I think but I can't say for sure Penny had problems in Academia because of her bonds with Koko.

This story deserves a movie for sure. It really shows that what we consider "lower animal Species" have conciseness similar to ours and that we should not be so brutal with other species of animals.

[hannash46]

Aww thats soo cute