In this video, filmed in 1988 (when Koko was 17 years old), Koko and Penny look through the classic book, Koko's Kitten (published in 1985) and she responds to various words, pictures and memories, by signing - sometimes emotionally (and creatively) combining multiple signs into one, like “Gorilla-Animal” and “Book-Hurry."
After a while, Koko takes the book to read in her hammock, feeling the need for some privacy. Later she returns to explore and relive the story in more depth. Penny and Koko grieve together for the loss of her kitten All Ball (aka "Ball"), comfort each other, and eventually focus on her latest kitten (who's also shown in the book), Lips Lipstick, who happens to be waiting indoors to play with Koko. This prompts Koko to sign "take-off' before she does just that, taking Penny's notebook with her.
Koko experienced a wide range of emotions throughout her life, and always had a very good memory. She took comfort from her close social relationships, including her cats.
11 мар 2023
