gorilla,zoo,sign languages

Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People (2016)

Poster for Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People

Documentary telling the extraordinary story of Koko, the only 'talking' gorilla in the world, and her lifelong relationship with Penny Patterson. Project Koko started as a PhD project to teach sign language to a baby gorilla, but as Koko began to communicate with Penny, an intense bond formed between them. Penny has now been with Koko for over 40 years and claims Koko can reveal fresh insights into the workings of an animal's mind. Koko's unique life with Penny has been filmed every step of the way. Over 2,000 hours of footage chart the most dramatic moments - Penny's battle to keep Koko from being taken back to the zoo in which she was born, Penny's clash with academic critics who doubted her claims and the image of Koko mourning the death of her kitten.

Cast & Crew

Director
Jonathan Taylor
  • Profile picture of Bertie Carvel
    Narrator (voice) Bertie Carvel
  • Profile picture of Robin Williams
    Self Robin Williams
  • Profile picture of Koko
    Self Koko
  • Profile picture of Leonardo DiCaprio
    Self Leonardo DiCaprio
  • Profile picture of Peter Gabriel
    Self Peter Gabriel
  • Profile picture of Isabella Rossellini
    Self Isabella Rossellini
  • Profile picture of William Shatner
    Self William Shatner
  • Profile picture of Sting
    Self Sting

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Keywords

  • gorilla
  • zoo
  • sign languages