Koko's Kitten Playdate

In this archival footage, Koko meets and plays with one of her many pet kittens. These clips show Koko as she first introduces herself to the cat, cuddles with him, and carries him around to show him features of her room such as her full-length mirror. Her ability to gently and purposefully share experiences with her kittens demonstrates her empathy and capacity to form meaningful friendships with any species.

[@hjong8830]

Sad that Koko never became a mother. She would have been the best mother a baby gorilla could ever have.

[@shutterchick79]

No sanctuary or zoo would let them have an orphan baby.... they were researchers, and Koko was a research subject.... zoos and sanctuaries were probably afraid to give them a gorilla... for obvious reasons... However, they did find a male for her to mate with, but she refused him. The researchers actually asked Koko why, and she signed "brother". I guess the male ended up feeling more like a brother to her...

[@shutterchick79]

No zoo or sanctuary would give them a baby, because they were researchers (studying language). They were, however, able to find a male for her to mate with, but she refused him. When the researchers asked her why she woumate with him, she signed "brother".

[@Nikita.1999]

Koko was often coming up with funny names for cats) This gorilla was much more humane than humans themselves

[@shutterchick79]

I think she named her first cat "all-ball". 🐈 It's good they let her have the kitties, though....

[@maryanneb1122]

Beautiful Koko..I miss you and your beautiful gentle self..RIP💕🧸🤗xx

[@stephanieb7311]

Koko was truly amazing!! I loved her and always will.❤😢

[@aqhasassy]

Beautiful & sweet Koko, she was a gift. 💔🌻

[@user-kx2yy8vm1q]

Κόκο μου όμορφη δεν θα σέ ξεχάσω ποτέ ❤❤

[@davidepperson3685]

She was so beautiful.❤

[@Ganpignanus]

adorable.

[@amybeaver4542]

Such a beautiful friendship

[@Meandmymirror]

Needed my Kiki fix!

[@Lightness108]

🦍💕🌹

[@jitttttah]

Fire

[@PrinceseBh]

WAIT, KOKO IS STILL ALIVE? I THOUGHT SHES DEAD

[@floof6896]

she is dead

[@Youcantleavethisempty01]

This music is so odd. 😒

[@shoulders-of-giants]

"instincts" is a dated and also quite specist concept. We really shouldn't talk about other animals that way anymore, ever 💀

[@Nognamogo]

Humans have instincts too. It's weird to think saying something has instincts is somehow a problem.

[@brightbite]

In this case, they use the term in a species-positive way.

[@_AR_bb]

I mean an animal does have instincts that is a female gorrilla theyre gentle of ourselves she loves the cat howeverif it wear lion that kitty has some other problems

[@Ganpignanus]

explain why?