Meet Michael

This is a brief introduction to the late silverback gorilla, Michael, who grew up with Koko, learned sign language with Koko, painted with Koko, loved Koko as a sister, and passed away in 2000 at the young age of 27. MIchael's life continues to be an inspiration to us all, and we've even named a sanctuary after him: The Michael Sanctuary in Cameroon Africa (Mefou National Park) for bushmeat-orphaned gorillas. Note that Michael himself was a bushmeat orphan, which may explain his intense emotional and intellectual personality. Koko was a bit intimidated by him, which is why may be why she subsequently selected the somewhat more mellow Ndume to be her mate. However, Koko will always miss Michael, as will we.

Lesson: Koko has become a very special gorilla, an ambassador for her species. However, her late companion Michael was quite a guy too.

Date Added: Jun 24, 2008
Videographer: Dr. Ron Cohn

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Koko
• GSL
• Gorilla
• Sign
• Language
• Michael

[DavidFiveThirteen]

omg that makes me SO sad to see him have those bad memories! who knew they remember these things!!

[rapidekasper]

dumpert !

[YksiSuomalainen]

Did you ask Michael why he didn't want to mate with Koko ?

[KareemAbawi]

:"-(

[BrickVsJaw]

@rockandstroll that so sad me now cry.

[ThePball3r]

i can't believe micheal died leaving koko alone and no friends

[Treviath]

"And his dog"

Yeah right. Doesn't look anything like a dog

*They bright a photograph to the picture*

HOLY CRAP was I wrong.

[SaNtOsLeOsTv]

well if guerillas get proud of there children im pretty sure michaels mother would be very proud of how brilliant michael is.

[rockandstroll]

So the dude out the green mile died? that so sad.

[caridyer13]

it's unbelievable that he remembers such things, but they are traumatic. I guess what i mean to say is how humans and great apes are really not that far apart. remarkable!

[gukonni]

He looks badass. Apes are tough. Real tough.

Is sad that he had to tell us that part of his history.

Whatever. I think we all know deep down that we share a bond with apes.

[farronx]

He probably died from a broken heart...