Gorilla Contemplates Death (1/5)

A rather well known Gorilla named Koko had highly developed sign language skills. That alone is fascinating, but the true curiosity here lies in her final conversations about the concept of death.

Koko was chatting with a woman named Francine Patterson who was her close friend. During the chat Francine shows Koko an image of a skeleton

“Is this alive or dead?” Koko signed, “Dead, draped.” “Draped” means “covered up.”

“Where do animals go when they die?”
Koko said, “A comfortable hole.” Then she gave a kiss goodbye.”

Considering the mind of this intelligent animal and its personal thoughts on death compels me to want to discuss it with her personally. Unfortunately Koko passed away on June 19th 2018. She lived to the age of 46 and takes her wisdom with her. Rest well Koko.