Looknsee Photography wrote:
I'm not sure we'll ever see her like again.  The science of animal communication has shifted.  For Koko, we tried (and succeeded) to teach animals to talk to us.  Nowadays, the research is more devoted to understanding how animals naturally communicate to each other.

Like almost everyone else, I was charmed by Koko and her story.

Who wouldnt be? A big, gentle giant, excitedly signing with her pal. Hugging her kitten... Reducing Robin Williams to a giggling puddle.

I dont know if my proximity to Koko got me a bit more local coverage than was done nationally, but she has been part of the Bay Area news for..... well, 40+ years.

So, I -am- sad to hear she is gone.

But- as you said, our thinking on the whole subject has changed.

In reading some of the more recent stories about Koko, Dr. Francine Patterson, the original researcher who taught Koko to sign said she did have some regrets... When she started 45 years ago, she was planning a 4 year study. She says she regrets that Koko didnt get more "socialization" with other gorillas, and Koko never had a mate and "kids" of her own.

Like you said, it is unlikely we will have another like Koko.