Robin Williams is talking about Koko.

Koko, born on July 4, 1971, at the San Francisco Zoo, was a western lowland gorilla who gained fame for her remarkable communication skills. Hand-reared by psychologist Francine Patterson, Koko learned over 1,000 signs of American Sign Language (ASL) along with spoken English words. Her ability to express emotions and thoughts through sign language captivated audiences globally, increasing awareness about gorillas and their cognitive abilities. Koko’s legacy extends beyond her communication; she adopted and named several pets, including kittens, showcasing her nurturing nature. This bond between humans and animals highlights the importance of empathy and the impacts of captivity on wildlife. Documentaries about Koko's life have played a crucial role in educating the public about the emotional lives of animals and have advocated for wildlife conservation. Koko’s story remains relevant today, inspiring further research into animal communication and the ethical treatment of animals in captivity.