Koko the gorilla dead: Famous ape who learned sign language dies at 46

Koko the gorilla, who was famed for her extraordinary sign language skills, has died at the age of 46.

The ape passed away in her sleep on Wednesday morning, the Gorilla Foundation announced.

She was a primary ambassador for her endangered species and touched the lives of millions as an icon for interspecies communication and empathy.

“She was beloved and will be deeply missed,” the organisation said.

“Koko’s capacity for language and empathy has opened the minds and hearts of millions.”

Koko was a western lowland gorilla born at the San Francisco Zoo in 1971.

She was taught sign language by Dr Penny Patterson and Dr Ronald Cohn before she was moved to Stanford in 1974 where The Gorilla Foundation was established.

The project expanded to include a second western lowland gorilla, Michael.

Koko and The Gorilla Foundation then moved to the Santa Cruz Mountains in 1979.

She was featured in multiple documentaries and appeared on the cover of National Geographic twice.

“Her impact has been profound and what she has taught us about the emotional capacity of gorillas and their cognitive abilities will continue to shape the world,” the foundation added.

The foundation will continue to honour her legacy, advancing their mission with ongoing projects including conservation efforts in Africa and a sign language application featuring Koko for the benefit of both gorillas and children.

Fans of Koko posted tributes to her on ocial media.

Following the announcement of her passing, one user tweeted: “So heartbreaking. I remember being amazed at Koko when I was a child. Her legacy will live forever.”

Another said: “She helped me learn about love, sign language and compassion growing up as a child. Thank you, Koko. We’ll always love you.”